Backorders, Kit Availability, Operations, And Suppliers

In Part I of this series we described the steps Van’s Aircraft has taken to improve the company’s operations and financial situation upon emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. Here in Part II we describe further actions and improvements noted by Van’s Aircraft.

Backorders and Kit Availability:

• Backorders have been reduced by 50%
• Fulfilled 114 backordered seat sets for RV-10 aircraft, with the remainder to be cleared by March 2025
• Lead times for QuickBuild kits have been reduced from 18 months to 12 months, an improvement of 33%
• Empennage kit lead times for all RV models have been cut to 2 weeks

Operational And Supplier Enhancements:

• Worked with suppliers and partners who have been very willing to step up (!) to reduce supplier backlogs by 67% enabling significant progress in Van’s ability to fulfill delayed shipments and backorders
• Implemented a new ERP/MRP system designed to improve customer service, lead times on orders, and tracking orders
• Partnered with a third-party auditor to develop and hone new policies and quality initiatives

In the third installment of this series we’ll look at what Van’s has in store for 2025, including exciting progress on the RV-15 and the formation of the company’s new avionics shop.

FMI:  www.vansaircraft.com/