Six aviation companies have formed a consortium with the aim of accelerating the use of recyclable materials, especially carbon fiber and aluminum, from decommissioned aircraft.
The Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC) is made up of MRO-provider Jamco America, Singapore-based reprocessor Nandina REM, Australian airline Qantas, Singapore-based shipping company Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania, cargo specialist Titan Leasing, and U.S.-based aircraft component provider Vaupell.
“The alliance is borne out of the growing opportunity that decommissioned aircraft present as a new source of valuable circular materials, as well as addresses the significant waste pollution challenges to the shrinking legal boneyards around the world,” ACC said in a statement.
ACC is based in Singapore, where representatives from the six companies meet regularly to move its objectives forward. Its key priority is to engage closely with OEMs and regulators to develop an implementation roadmap for the certification of these reclaimed materials for use in aviation products and other critical industries.
Nandina REM will also lead engagement with financial institutions toward the development of sustainability-linked financial products that will support supply chain adoption. In February, the startup showcased its recycled carbon fiber sheets retrieved from decommissioned Boeing 767s.
Nandina REM told Aviation Daily in February that it is focusing on carbon fiber before expanding into other aircraft materials. Qantas could be among the first carriers to see such recycled materials being used in the cabin of its aircraft. The carrier’s Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Parker said there is “untapped potential” in retired aircraft materials that could be recycled and used to create parts for future Qantas aircraft cabins.
ACC is encouraging more stakeholders to join the organization.
