Icelandair picks B&H Worldwide to manage global AOG and urgent spares

Jun 02, 2017: Icelandair Group has chosen B&H Worldwide, the leading aerospace logistics supplier, as its global partner for managing time-critical, AOG and urgent airline spares shipments. Effective June 1, B&H has been awarded a three year contract to handle the Icelandic national carrier's business, with an option to expand for an additional two years.

Following an extensive tender process B&H Worldwide was selected to provide a range of time critical solutions for Icelandair's engineering parts which involves a series of complex supply chains with vendors across Europe, America and Asia. All three Icelandair Group companies - Icelandair Technical Services, Icelandair and Icelandair Cargo will be part of the new arrangement.

"We will run Icelandair’s contract from our London based 24/7 AOG & Time Critical Logistics Centre using our unique cloud-based OnTrack system. We will fully integrate with their IT platform to drive significant efficiencies including improved communication," says Stuart Allen, CEO, B&H Worldwide. "We are implementing a thorough programme of end to end systems integration and supply chain improvements that will include complete visibility of all of shipments, improved transit times and ongoing cost reduction. These benefits are achieved through B&H’s freight optimisation solutions, our continuous financial reporting & analysis, and IT efficiencies led by our IT arm B&H InTech.”

B&H's Los Angeles and Hong Kong regional offices will also play a key role in the contract and the LA hub will be utilized to consolidate shipments and reduce costs where multiple parts are destined for Icelandair's Chinese maintenance facility.

B&H's Miami and Singapore offices will also operate as regional support centers for Icelandair.

A number of test shipments have already successfully taken place – including several urgent engine movements.

Jens Thordason, vice president Technical Operations for Icelandair, adds, "While price is always an important factor in choosing a partner, it was B&H's continuous improvement process and their focus on how we can reduce costs and at the same time do things smarter which sold us on their services. There is already tremendous working chemistry between our two teams and I am confident this will be the start of a long and productive partnership.”

PHOTO: L to R:Eirikur Vilhjalmsson (Materials Manager); Seth Profit (Chief Information Officer B&H Worldwide); Alistair McVicar (Regional Customer Solutions Manager B&H Worldwide); Jens Thordarson; Einer Gudmundsson (Director Materials and Logistics) and Russell Dean (Implementation and AOG Manager B&H Worldwide).