A cladistic classification of commercial aerospace supply chain evolution

Purpose This paper aims to address the advantage of considering an evolutionary classification scheme for commercial aerospace supply chains. It is an industry wide approach. By going beyond the performance of the single firm and considering the whole supply chain for a product a better understanding of present states and performances of the firms within the chain can be achieved. Design/methodology/approach The approach is presented as evolutionary steps by introduction of key supply chain characters. These steps are brought together by applying cladistics to classify the evolutionary relationships between supply chain forms. Findings Key character states define the change of supply chain forms in the evolutionary adaptation to market realities and to proactive responses to increased competition. Originality/value The potential benefits of this approach include a benchmark of best practice, a strategic tool for policy development, and the creation of future scenarios.