Management And Recycling Of EoL Aircraft

Question 1

Describe how EoL aircraft is managed and recycled

Answer 1

The aircraft is first sometimes stored at an aircraft storage facility. When further processed:

1. Disassembly
   
   • Removal of high valued parts
     
     • Strictly bound by aviation regulations
     • Serviceable, or as-is
     • Removal of components is part of trace
   • Value from 0 to several millions
2. Dismantling
   
   • No legislation, more a problem than an opportunity
   • Hazardous materials, e.g. fluids, batteries, depleted uranium
   • Manual separation of materials, e.g. wiring
   • Non-recyclables, e.g. plastics, insulation material
   • Removal of heavy metals
   • Recycling of structural materials: Cutting -> Shredding -> Separation (e.g. eddy current) => aluminium stream as pure as possible
3. Component management
   
   • Re-introduction of components from EoL aircraft into the aviation industry
   • Correct certification needed.

When done correctly, 90 % of EoL aircraft can be recycled.

Question 2

What are the EoL process for retired passenger aircraft?

Answer 2

Two options:

• Sell aircraft as cargo aircraft
• Disassemble aircraft for reuse and recycling

Question 3

What are the main issues with handling recycling of EoL aircraft?

Answer 3

• No legislation
• Separation at the source of materials is impossible, components need to be shredded first which is costly
• Manual separation is a good way, but also expensive
• Availability of the components’ complete history, if unavailable their value can drop to zero

Question 4

What materials are used in aircraft, and how can they be recovered?

Answer 4

• The valuable parts, such as engines and avionics, can be disassembled and reused
• The remaining aircraft is dismantled for recycling, mainly aluminium
• Future challenge: recycling of lightweight composite materials, which are currently not well recovered

Question 5

Are there any global/regional regulations or directives for recycling EoL aircraft?

Answer 5

No legislation applicable in the aviation industry. However, Airbus and Boeing are promoting environmentally friendly treatment of their products, either through the development of codes of conduct, or by establishment of best practices. Awareness also encourages smart use of existing supply chains, and recognition of costs and opportunities. The whole industry is responsible.