Aircraft production rates are continuing to increase, which means the ability of the aerospace supply chain to scale, and to scale reliably to keep pace, is becoming a critical factor. In response, Diehl Aviation is strengthening its supplier network to secure capacity and material availability, improve delivery performance, and reduce supply-chain issues.
At its Supplier Day 2026 event, held under the theme of ‘Together’, more than 100 key suppliers joined Diehl Aviation in the Ratiopharm Arena in Neu-Ulm, Germany to discuss the challenges of industrial scalability, supply-chain resilience and industry cooperation. Diehl Aviation stressed to suppliers that scalability in its operations means increasing output while maintaining stable processes, reliable deliveries, quality standards, and cost targets.
“A successful ramp-up requires more than additional capacity. Our supply chain must be able to scale in line with our customers’ requirements while maintaining delivery reliability, quality, and competitiveness. That is why we are working closely with our suppliers to identify risks early, secure critical capacity and strengthen supply-chain resilience,” said Jörg Schuler, CEO of Diehl Aviation, at the event.
Strengthening supply chain resilience and reducing dependencies
Diehl Aviation is implementing several measures with the goal of making its supply chain more resilient and better prepared for the requirements of increased production volumes. These measures include bringing in broader sourcing strategies, securing multiple sources for selected key components, defining common standards with suppliers, and achieving closer coordination with suppliers.
The objective is to identify potential supply risks at an early stage, secure critical capacities and materials, and improve delivery performance across the supply chain. By working closely with its suppliers, Diehl Aviation believes it can create greater transparency and predictability throughout its industrial network.
Through its T.R.U.S.T. initiative launched in 2024, Diehl Aviation will work with its suppliers to jointly identify supply-chain risks and improvement opportunities and put them into practice. The T.R.U.S.T. initiative focuses on supply chain factors of Transparency, Reliability, Upturn/ramp-up readiness, Savings & cost advantages, and Trust & cooperation.
Put together, through enhanced cooperation across its supplier network and the ability to address any supply-chain risks early, Diehl Aviation is working to build the capacity and resilience needed to support its customers reliably as aircraft production rates increase.
Supplier performance awards
Diehl Aviation also highlighted successful cooperations across its supplier network at the Supplier Day 2026. For the second time, Diehl Aviation presented its Supplier Awards, recognising six suppliers for their contributions to supply-chain performance, cooperation, sustainability, technology, and innovation.
The Performance Award 2026 went to St. Elisabeth-Stiftung for its delivery performance, achieving deliveries on time, in full, and with quality and conformity. St. Elisabeth-Stiftung is a German social, healthcare, and welfare organisation that acts as a supply chain and manufacturing service partner for the aviation industry.
The Sustainability Award 2026 was presented to Robert Hofmann GmbH for its work in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and for supporting Diehl Aviation’s sustainability work. The company offers expertise including rapid prototyping, efficient 3D printing, and tool and mould making. You can find out more about Robert Hofmann HERE.
The T.R.U.S.T. Award 2026 went to Pantel Elektronik AG, a manufacturer of electrical components, for its commitment, reliability, and innovative manufacturing solutions, Diehl Aviation says that Pantel’s work was key to fulfilling the demanding requirements of one of its new cabin lighting products.
KOWE CNC GmbH received the Cooperation Award 2026 for its reliability, delivery performance, flexibility, and close cooperation. The company specialises in Computer Numerical Control manufacturing processes.
Argosy International Inc. received the Newcomer Award 2026 in recognition of its reliability, cooperation, excellent network, and industry experience. Argosy supplies materials such as carbon and speciality fibres and fabrics.
The Technology Award 2026 was presented to Silnova GmbH for its product diversity, customer-focused innovation, technological leadership, and contribution to new developments. Silnova supplies profiles, seals, hoses and moulded parts.
