Gallery: How Kuehne+Nagel Transports Aircraft Engines

The transport of aircraft engines is a highly specialized field, requiring meticulous planning, attention to detail and expertise. Kuehne+Nagel gave Aviation Week Network full exclusive access to its specialized engine loading process at Stuttgart Airport in Germany. Read on to find out more about Kuehne+Nagel’s specialized logistics processes for transporting aircraft engines.

Stewart Bradford, global aircraft engine manager (pictured here), tells Aviation Week Network that thorough walkarounds, photo documentation, a checklist app and meticulous record-keeping are essential for identifying and preventing damage.

The quality and condition of engine stands are crucial for safe transport, as is using appropriate equipment, such as specialized forklifts.

During Aviation Week Network’s visit, this IAE V2500 engine was heading to its operator, JetBlue Airways, from MTU Aero Engines.

This Rolls Royce BR710 engine was ready for loading. Different engine sizes and types present unique challenges, requiring specialized handling and equipment.

Robust quality control processes, including root cause analysis and collaboration with OEMs and MROs, are necessary to address and prevent any damage to the engine.

Damage can occur at various stages, including during loading and unloading, road transport and even within MRO facilities, which Kuehne+Nagel says can lead to significant repair costs.

The engine's orientation during loading depends on the aircraft type. For Boeing 777s, engines may need to be turned inside the cargo door. On the Boeing 747, engines are typically loaded fan-first.

According to Kuehne+Nagel, the most critical point of engine transport is going through the aircraft cargo door due to the very tight tolerances.

Kuehne+Nagel says developing and implementing industry standards and providing comprehensive training for handling personnel are essential for engine transport.

Airline pallets, floor locks and secondary netting are used to secure smaller engines. Smaller, category two engines on standard unit load devices are often loaded quickly and efficiently.

Kuehne+Nagel says larger engines—particularly Rolls-Royce Trent engines—often lack certified pallet bases, so they require extensive strapping and more pallet positions (up to four) for securement, which is a time-consuming process.

These smart labels, applied to the JetBlue V2500, provide real-time location data. Other versions also monitor humidity, shock and track tilt.

(From left) James McMillan, global product manager for engine logistics; Shreya Mehta, global air logistics innovation lead; and Stewart Bradford applied Kuehne+Nagel’s first smart label for engine transport.