Guides & Learning
Aerospace Logistics COVID-19
Nancy Matthews shares how COVID-19 reshaped aerospace logistics, from grounded fleets and lost belly capacity to MRO recovery, airline adaptation, and changing aircraft manufacturing flows.
- Guides & Learning
- Article
- Sep 17, 2020
- 5 min read
- By Nancy Matthews, Aerospace Logistics
Aerospace logistics leadership perspective
Nancy Matthews has worked in the supply chain industry for over 30 years and leads Crane Worldwide's aerospace logistics vertical. She collaborates with global aerospace clients to develop highly customized solutions for aviation logistics challenges and recently shared industry insight on how COVID-19 is reshaping the sector.
As COVID-19 has impacted the world, how has the virus impacted the Aerospace sector?
At the beginning of the pandemic, very few airlines were on track with flight schedules as countries entered lockdown. Planes were grounded worldwide, which created a unique maintenance and positioning problem because aircraft were not necessarily in the right location. A significant percentage of global cargo moves in the belly hold of passenger aircraft, and that capacity disappeared quickly. At the same time, urgent PPE shipments surged and cargo moved in any available capacity, including preighters—passenger aircraft converted to carry freight. For MRO and AOG shipments, the challenge became finding available lift as flights were canceled regularly. Airlines needed support as financial results were impacted, and Crane adapted by focusing on current needs in an environment where communication and adaptability remain essential.
What do you see for the future of the MRO sector, both long term and short term?
In the short term, critical parts are shifting toward smaller additional parts depots. Some aftermarket suppliers with strong cash flow are acquiring parts from carriers looking to generate cash by selling unused inventory from grounded aircraft. Parts depots for MRO programs are expanding in markets that previously had little presence, preparing for the next recovery phase. Crane's aerospace team supports clients by presenting logistics solutions with clear limitations and honest operational expectations.
How do you see the airlines recovering from COVID-19?
Recovery will be driven by passengers returning to the skies. For air cargo carriers, manufacturing bases may shift as companies diversify sourcing beyond a single region—a lesson reinforced during the pandemic. As airlines adapt routes and networks, Crane Worldwide's aerospace experts support changing logistics needs across both passenger and cargo operations.
What does the future of aircraft manufacturing look like post-pandemic?
Crane supports two of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, and supported programs continue at reduced production capacity. That slowdown affects suppliers, raw materials, stored parts, and shipment urgency. Larger forward-stocking options and lower transportation urgency become part of the cost-management response when production rates decline. The sector is changing, and logistics partners must deliver efficient, cost-effective solutions as manufacturing flows evolve.
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