INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Boeing Integrated Logistics

MLF 2010 Volume: 4 Issue: 1 (February)

Q: Let’s start with some background on Boeing and the company’s work with DoD in the logistics arena.

A: Boeing Defense, Space and Security is one of the world’s largest businesses of its kind, specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. It is the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, it is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees.

Integrated Logistics provides readiness and after-delivery support for military platforms and systems through performance based logistics contracts, leveraging innovative supply-chain management, industry-leading engineering services and public-private partnerships.

Q: Boeing has long-been associated with the manufacturing of aircraft and platforms. What are some specific business support programs and areas you are involved in?

A: GS&S capabilities include integrated logistics and supply-chain management supporting the F/A-18, F-15, C-17, AH-64, V-22, AV-8B, CH-47, T-45, P-8A and other military airplanes and systems; maintenance, modifications and upgrades on aircraft such as the KC-135, A-10, B-52, KC-10, A-10, C-130, C-32, C-40 and other aircraft in the executive fleet; defense and government services such as infrastructure support, logistics command and control, ISR services, support operations and managed communication services; and live, virtual, and constructive training and simulation.

GS&S has key international operations in Australia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, as well as a field services team in 170 global locations.

Q: As a major player in the military logistics arena, how are you helping DoD meet current key logistics objectives?

A: We are committed to providing readiness for our customers, no matter what the challenge. We realize that the customer may not always be able to afford the best possible solution to a given challenge. It’s up to us to rapidly configure our support to both the customer’s needs and resources. We do this by compressing the supply chain cycle time, using more effective methods and tools to track parts inventory, putting LEAN principles into practice.

In fact, we work very hard to eliminate waste in everything we measure— time, money, labor and materials.

Q: What are some of the new programs Boeing is working on in partnership with DoD and the services?

A: It is widely understood by both our domestic and our international military customers that PBLs are the most cost-effective way to maintain readiness. Boeing Integrated Logistics leads this industry in the field of performance based logistics. One of the best examples is the largest PBL program, C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership. It’s also the very first, and one of the best, in terms of performance. This single program delivers maximum readiness not only for the USAF fleet of C-17s, but also for those in the UK, Canadian, NATO and Australian inventories.

Others are quite varied, from the V-22 Osprey PBL to the Apache PBL. All 13 are different, but each is tailored specifically to the needs of the customer. Internationally, the UK Through-Life Chinook Support program is another great example of maximizing readiness at the lowest possible cost to the customer.

Q: Each year brings new challenges— 2010 is no different. What do you see as some of the main challenges you are facing in meeting the needs of the 21st century warfighter?

A: We are aggressively searching for ways to keep costs down for our customers. We know that our customers face increasing budgetary challenges, and it’s our job to partner with government in ways that make sense, and identify solutions to their problems.

Fortunately, having both a commercial aircraft business and a military aerospace business in one company means that no one in the industry can bring to bear the kind of synergy that we can, and this is particularly important when it comes to optimizing supply chain management, for example. We operate a net-enabled, globally connected logistics capability that can handle any requirement.

We are also moving into areas beyond aviation, such as ground-based vehicles and other systems. Our customers are challenged by extremely high op-tempo, and the equipment they use needs to be kept at the very highest state of readiness. Our ability to find the right solution for our customers is what sets us apart. ♦

Back to Top