Encouraging the development and international alignment of best practices for the management of aircraft end-of-life processing, including the optimisation of the safe re-use and recycling of materials, will support ICAO and AFRA’s shared objective of facilitating the dismantlement of retired aircraft in ways that are environmentally sustainable, safe and responsible.
“The timing of this MoU is important given that the rate of fleet renewal is expected to increase significantly over the coming years, with 18,000 currently in-service aircraft expected to be retired from operations by 2030,” commented Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, President of ICAO Council. “Already, 400 to 600 aircraft are disassembled each year, pointing to how increased focus on the entire aircraft lifecycle will provide an important contribution to the sustainability of aircraft manufacture and our sector overall.”
Derk-Jan van Heerden, President of the Board of AFRA, added that improving how the aviation industry recycles end-of-life aircraft at the global level required strong partnerships between all stakeholders. “AFRA represents stakeholders such as dismantling and recycling companies, OEMs, airlines and lessors. This MoU is therefore an important step in reaching the mutual goal of a safer and environmentally sustainable aviation industry."
