Episode 156: In Control at 30,000 Feet: How Lufthansa Technik Manages Global Supply Chain Risk

In this episode, we go behind the scenes at Lufthansa Technik with Lena Kaehler. We discuss how they deliver aviation spare parts fast, adapt to trade changes, and aim for smarter AI and CO2 neutrality.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠===== On this episode, Lena Kaehler, Senior Director of Component Logistics, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Lufthansa Technik’s global aviation spare-parts network. We break down how their team delivers speed and reliability to avoid AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations, while juggling strict safety regulations, airport access challenges, and an incredible variety of parts, including hazardous and high-value items.Discover how Lufthansa Technik supports around 800 airlines and manages a million shipments every year. Hear about their $2.3B pooled inventory, powered by a blend of proprietary systems, AI, and expert oversight.Lena also shares how they’re adapting to shifting tariffs and trade rules, tackling crisis management, and optimizing transport networks. Plus: their vision for the future: smarter AI, ongoing trade volatility, and a push for CO2 neutrality.This is a must-hear episode if you want to get more insights from Lufthansa Technik. ===== Guest: Lena Kaehler, Senior Director Component Logistics, Transportation & Sales at Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services (LTLS).Lena Kaehler is Senior Director Component Logistics, Transportation & Sales at Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services (LTLS). With more than 20 years of experience in aviation, she has held roles across spare parts supply, base maintenance, airline flight operations, and logistics. In her current position, Lena is responsible for Lufthansa Technik’s global transportation network, holistic logistics solutions for the component business, and sales activities for LTLS customers worldwide. She studied industrial engineering and is passionate about the international, connecting nature of aviation.Host 1: Sin To, SAPSin brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku Ilgar has been working in the digital supply chain area at SAP since 2017. As a marketer and blogger, she creates written and visual marketing content about ERP and Supply Chain solutions and focuses on the topics of business trends, IoT, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scmFollow Us on Social Media : Lena Kaehler:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-kähler-944659146/ Sin To: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to Oyku Ilgar: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oykuilgar/ SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:22 Podcast Welcome00:01:20 Meet Lena Kaehler00:02:34 Aviation Logistics Challenges00:06:22 Scale of Global Network00:09:37 Pooling and Stock Planning00:12:46 Tariffs and Customs Volatility00:17:11 AI and Digitization Reality00:19:29 Repair Cycle and AOG Urgency00:22:26 Transport Network Operations00:26:55 Future of Supply Chain00:29:12 Wrap Up and Thanks