Russian Titanium, High Strength Steel: The Supply Chain Problems No One’s Talking About w/Kevin Michaels

The vulnerability of the aerospace supply chain is something we’re all well aware of. But when focusing on specific commodities, a worrying picture emerges.

 

Considering that the industry gets its titanium from Russia, and that there hasn’t been much effort put towards de-risking the supply, we have a major issue. At the same time, with 18-24 month lead times, high strength steel is also clogging up the supply chain and causing major bottlenecks.

 

How does it dig itself out of these specific supply chain difficulties? What are some of the other pressing issues affecting aerospace?

 

In this episode, I’m joined by leading industry expert, and principal and partner at Aerodynamic Advisory, Kevin Michaels. We talk about aerospace’s biggest challenges and steps we can take to overcome them.

 

Here we are, 18 months after the invasion of Ukraine, and we find ourselves extremely dependent as an industry on Russian titanium. - Kevin Michaels 

 

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

 

-The issue no one’s talking about:

Boeing has made significant strides to wean itself off Russian titanium, but is it enough?

 

-How the industry is managing under supply chain constraints

The titanium supply chain is only hobbling along because of a suppressed demand. How catastrophic would this have been for the industry in previous years?

 

-Growing while under threat

From Boeing to Airbus, what are the challenges OEMs are facing in this current economic climate?

 

-Beware of the “no” crowd

With the challenges the industry is already facing, is the ESG consideration making the economics more difficult?

 

Guest Bio

 

Kevin Michaels is Managing Director of AeroDynamic Advisory, a speciality consulting firm focused on the global aerospace and aviation industries. He has 31 years of experience, including hundreds of consulting engagements for leading aviation and aerospace companies across the globe. Kevin is a globally recognized expert in the aerospace manufacturing and MRO sectors, and has significant expertise in business-to-business marketing, customer satisfaction, M&A advisory, technology assessment, cluster development, and strategic planning. His experience spans all major market segments, including air transport, business & general aviation, and military.

 

Previously Dr Michaels was a Vice President with ICF International’s Aerospace & MRO consulting practice from 2011 – 2016. He was a co-founder and partner with AeroStrategy from 2001-2011, until its acquisition by ICF. Previously, Dr. Michaels was Director – Strategic Development with Rockwell Collins Government Systems, and Principal with The Canaan Group, an aerospace consultancy. He began his career as a project engineer with aeroengine supplier Williams International. Dr. Michaels holds BS – Aerospace Engineering and MBA degrees from the University of Michigan, and MSc and PhD degrees in International Relations from the London School of Economics.

 

He is a contributing columnist to Aviation Week & Space Technology and chairs the advisory board of the University of Michigan’s Aerospace Engineering Department. In 2016, he joined the Board of Directors of aircraft parts distributor Kapco Global Proponent. For more information, head to https://aerodynamicadvisory.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-michaels-3025914. 

 

Learn More About Your Host:

 

Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. 

 

Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.