Kuehne+Nagel Expands Strategic Partnership with Airbus, Enhancing Logistics and MRO Operations Across Spain
Kuehne+Nagel, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, has announced the renewal and expansion of its longstanding partnership with Airbus, Europe’s largest aerospace company. This renewed collaboration will not only continue to support Airbus’s production and storage sites across Spain but will now also extend into a new and critical area: helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) logistics. This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the relationship between the two industry leaders and reinforces Kuehne+Nagel’s role as a key logistics partner in the aerospace sector.
Strengthening a Longstanding Partnership
For years, Kuehne+Nagel has played a pivotal role in enabling Airbus’s manufacturing and supply chain functions through integrated logistics services. With this latest agreement, the relationship is deepened further, enabling more comprehensive support across a broader array of operational needs. Specifically, the contract renewal includes end-to-end logistics support for Airbus’s production lines and storage facilities spread across six major locations in Spain: Albacete, Cádiz, Madrid, Sevilla, Toledo, and Zaragoza.
Kuehne+Nagel’s responsibilities under the renewed agreement span the full spectrum of supply chain services. These include in-plant logistics, inter-site transportation, warehouse-to-line deliveries (WTL), management of supply fulfillment centers, and spare parts logistics. Such an expansive scope underscores the strategic nature of this partnership and the confidence Airbus places in Kuehne+Nagel’s capabilities.
What sets this agreement apart, however, is its extension into helicopter MRO activities — a first in the Airbus-Kuehne+Nagel collaboration. This expansion reflects both companies’ ambitions to broaden their cooperation into more technically complex and mission-critical segments of aerospace logistics. Helicopter MRO logistics require precision, speed, and regulatory compliance, all areas where Kuehne+Nagel has demonstrated consistent excellence.
A Workforce Embedded in Aerospace Excellence
A key pillar of the partnership’s success is Kuehne+Nagel’s dedicated workforce. More than 900 employees are currently involved in the execution of Airbus logistics operations across Spain. These professionals work across 16 different sites, embedded within Airbus facilities and operations, ensuring a seamless flow of materials and information.
This workforce is not only skilled in general logistics and supply chain practices but also trained to meet the unique demands of the aerospace industry — where quality, safety, and efficiency are non-negotiable. Their roles range from material handling and inventory management to technical support and real-time coordination with Airbus teams. Such close integration allows for agile responses to production needs and a deep alignment with Airbus’s operational objectives.
Investing in Smart Technology and Digital Transformation
To support the evolving needs of Airbus and to drive operational excellence, Kuehne+Nagel has made significant investments in cutting-edge technologies. These investments are transforming the way aerospace logistics are executed, bringing enhanced visibility, automation, and efficiency to every stage of the supply chain.
Central to this technological transformation is Kuehne+Nagel’s proprietary Warehouse Management System (WMS), which provides advanced control over inventory, order fulfillment, and workflow automation. The WMS is integrated with other digital platforms to allow real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and proactive issue resolution.
Additionally, Kuehne+Nagel has implemented robotics to automate repetitive tasks such as sorting, packing, and picking of materials. This not only speeds up operations but also reduces the risk of human error and enhances workplace safety. For smaller components — critical in aerospace manufacturing — a small-part element control system using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has been introduced. This enables highly accurate tracking and management of even the most minute parts, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain.
Internet of Things (IoT) applications also play a crucial role. By connecting devices, assets, and systems through smart sensors and cloud-based platforms, Kuehne+Nagel provides Airbus with unprecedented visibility into its logistics ecosystem. From temperature-sensitive equipment to time-critical spare parts, every movement is monitored and optimized for performance.
Driving Sustainability in Aerospace Logistics
Beyond operational excellence, Kuehne+Nagel is firmly committed to sustainability — an increasingly vital priority in aerospace and logistics. Through this collaboration with Airbus, both companies aim to reduce the environmental impact of their supply chain activities.
As part of these efforts, Kuehne+Nagel has implemented initiatives to minimize the use of cardboard and plastic across packaging and materials handling processes. The company also promotes circular economy principles by exploring reuse and recycling opportunities, especially in packaging solutions.
Moreover, digitalization itself contributes to sustainability. By improving accuracy, reducing waste, and optimizing transport routes, technology-enabled logistics help lower carbon emissions and resource consumption. Kuehne+Nagel is also exploring alternative fuel options for its transport fleet and continues to measure its environmental footprint to ensure transparent progress toward its sustainability goals.
A Statement of Strategic Alignment
The expanded agreement is more than just a contract renewal — it is a reflection of mutual trust, strategic alignment, and shared vision for the future of aerospace logistics. Álvaro Nebreda, National Contract Logistics Manager for Spain at Kuehne+Nagel, emphasized this point in a recent statement:
“We are honoured to continue supporting Airbus with tailored logistics solutions that integrate digital innovation, operational efficiency, and a commitment to sustainability. This collaboration underscores our dedication to the aerospace sector and highlights our adaptability to meet the evolving demands of our customers.”
His words reflect the strategic importance of the Airbus account for Kuehne+Nagel and the company’s broader commitment to supporting the aerospace sector with forward-thinking logistics solutions.
With the extension of their partnership, Kuehne+Nagel and Airbus are not just enhancing logistics operations — they are shaping the future of aerospace supply chains in Europe. By combining deep industry expertise, a highly trained workforce, cutting-edge digital tools, and a firm commitment to sustainability, the two companies are creating a logistics model that is resilient, scalable, and future-ready.
As the aerospace industry continues to evolve — with increased pressure on lead times, supply chain resilience, and environmental performance — strategic partnerships like this one will become ever more critical. Through this renewed and expanded agreement, Kuehne+Nagel and Airbus are not only preparing for those challenges but actively setting new standards for excellence in aerospace logistics.