Boeing hosts two-day material management symposium in Johannesburg, South Africa
Boeing isn't just about making airplanes, J. Miguel Santos, Boeing Sales director for Africa, told more than 25 customers and partners at a two-day symposium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Photo Caption: Boeing hosted several customers in Johannesburg, South Africa, the past week for a Material Management Symposium. The symposium provided a venue for Boeing, African airlines and partners to share relevant and educational information within the spare-parts and maintenance community. Pictured here is one of Boeing's spare parts distribution centers. (Ken Dejarlais photo)
"There is much more to Boeing than designing, building and selling airplanes," Santos said. "Boeing provides a whole suite of resources to help an airline be successful after they purchase the airplane."
Santos was speaking this week at the Boeing Material Management Symposium, which Boeing hosted to engage with customers and share information about the spare-parts business.
"When people think of airlines, they oftentimes only consider the visible part of flying people around the world," said Graham Crippin, senior manager, Customer Account Management, Material Services for Boeing's Commercial Aviation Services (CAS). "There is a large and equally important parallel side of the business -- keeping the airplanes flying and in good working condition with scheduled maintenance checks and the right stock of spare parts."
The symposium - the second in Africa -- was organized and led by Ron Hunter, CAS Material Services Customer Account Manager for Africa. Several Boeing representatives gave presentations and conducted side meetings on such topics as Boeing's Component Services and Landing Gear Exchange Program, spares provisioning, Web training, safety and risk assessments in maintenance and engineering, and aftermarket parts programs.
"Our goal, regardless of whether we sell airplanes or aftermarket services, is to build strong working relationships that add value and enable our customers continued success," said Santos. "Hosting events such as this is just one way Boeing continues to engage our current and future customers with meaningful conversations and opportunities to work together on industry solutions."
