To the extent that delays in delivery of new aircraft or the modifications, products and services that support current types can be remedied by instant exchange of accurate information within the whole supply chain, relief may be in sight. Product Lifecycle Management tools have been improved and are being used more aggressively by aerospace manufacturers. In July, Boeing expanded its agreement to use Siemens' Teamcenter to standardize PLM across all commercial and military units.

Parts management, as opposed to merely transactional parts sales, began with engine OEMs several decades ago. Component manufacturers and third-party firms became active in this market. Now, airframe OEMs have entered it aggressively.

Prompted by a doubling of fuel prices, a slowing economy and decreasing fares, SAS Group sent a letter to suppliers in late May requesting a 10% price reduction for goods and services. The company plans to strengthen relations with suppliers that help out with price cuts. The initiative is part of SAS's Strategy 2011, which will see a cutback in the number of suppliers.