Aircraft Recycling Market Trends

Global Aircraft Recycling Market Overview

Global Aircraft Recycling Market Size was valued at USD 4.2 Billion in 2022. The Aircraft Recycling market industry is projected to grow from USD 4.57 Billion in 2023 to USD 9.04 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound yearly growth rate (CAGR) of 8.90% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). Increased emphasis on sustainable and environmentally responsible practices within the aviation industry and rising economic incentives associated with aircraft dismantling and recycling are the key market drivers enhancing market growth.

Source: The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Aircraft Recycling Market Trends

Growing emphasis on sustainable and environmentally responsible practices within the aviation industry is driving the market growth.

Market CAGR for aircraft recycling is being driven by the rising number of emphasis on sustainable and environmentally responsible practices within the aviation industry. As the industry faces heightened awareness of environmental impact and climate change concerns, stakeholders are recognizing the need for responsible end-of-life management for aircraft, fostering a shift toward sustainable practices. Aircraft recycling addresses this imperative by providing a comprehensive solution for retiring or obsolete aircraft, aligning with the broader goals of minimizing carbon emissions and minimizing ecological footprints.

Regulatory bodies worldwide are playing a pivotal role in propelling the aircraft recycling market forward. Stringent regulations and guidelines are being implemented to ensure that aircraft are decommissioned and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Compliance with these regulations is not only a legal need but also a strategic move for aviation companies looking to enhance their corporate social responsibility and sustainability profiles. The circular economy concept is another driving force behind the growth of aircraft recycling. Stakeholders in the aviation industry are increasingly recognizing the economic value of recycling aircraft materials. Salvaging and reusing components and materials from retired aircraft not only minimizes waste but also contributes to resource efficiency, reducing the reliance on virgin materials and the environmental impact related to their extraction and production.

Furthermore, airlines and aircraft manufacturers are becoming more proactive in integrating sustainability into their overall business strategies. This includes considering the entire life cycle of an aircraft, from design to disposal. As part of this holistic approach, aircraft recycling is gaining prominence as an integral component of a sustainable aviation ecosystem. The economic benefits of aircraft recycling also play a role in driving market growth. Salvaging valuable materials, such as aluminum, titanium, and composites, from retired aircraft allows for their resale and reuse in various industries. This economic incentive encourages the development of advanced recycling technologies and facilities, fostering a robust market for aircraft recycling services. Thus driving the Aircraft Recycling market revenue.

Aircraft Recycling Market Segment Insights

Aircraft Recycling Aircraft Insights

The Global Aircraft Recycling Market segmentation, based on aircraft, includes Narrow-Body, Wide-Body, and Regional. The narrow-minded segment dominated the market, accounting for the largest market revenue due to their sheer prevalence in commercial aviation. As the most widely used category of aircraft, narrow bodies, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, constitute a significant portion of the global fleet. Their high production volumes and shorter operational lifespans result in a steady influx of retired narrow-body aircraft, driving demand for recycling services. Additionally, the standardized design and components across many narrow-body models make the recycling process more streamlined and cost-effective, further incentivizing the recycling of these aircraft. The recyclability of materials like aluminum and composites from narrow-body planes contributes to the economic viability of recycling, making it a lucrative market within the broader aircraft recycling industry.

Aircraft Recycling Component Insights

The Global Aircraft Recycling Market segmentation, based on components, includes Engines, Landing Gear, Avionics, and Others. The engine category dominates the market as aircraft engines represent a significant portion of the overall value of an aircraft, making them a focal point for salvaging and resale. Given the high cost of manufacturing new engines, there is a strong economic incentive for recycling companies and buyers to refurbish and reuse these components. Additionally, the demand for more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced engines has led to a rapid turnover of older aircraft, increasing the volume of engines available for recycling. The meticulous disassembly and refurbishment of engine components allow for their resale as serviceable parts, meeting the needs of operators seeking cost-effective alternatives. The stringent regulatory environment surrounding aviation safety and reliability further drives the market for recycled engine components, ensuring that they undergo rigorous testing and certification before re-entering the market.

Figure 1: Global Aircraft Recycling Market, by Component, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: The Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Aircraft Recycling Regional Insights

By region, the study offers market insights of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American Aircraft Recycling market area dominates this market due to its extensive fleet of aging aircraft, stringent environmental regulations that necessitate responsible disposal practices, and a well-established infrastructure for aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

Further, the main countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: GLOBAL AIRCRAFT RECYCLING MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: The Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe's Aircraft Recycling market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the strict environmental regulations, sustainability initiatives, and the region's commitment to circular economy principles. Further, the German Aircraft Recycling market held the largest market share, and the UK Aircraft Recycling market was the fastest-growing market in European region.

The Asia-Pacific Aircraft Recycling Market is expected to rise at the fastest CAGR from the year 2023 to 2032. This is due to the region's expanding aviation industry, rapid fleet modernization, and increasing emphasis on sustainable practices. Moreover, China’s Aircraft Recycling market held the largest market share, and the Indian Aircraft Recycling market was the fastest-growing market in Asia-Pacific region.

Recent News:

Boeing is collaborating with partners to explore ways to recycle a greater portion of its newest widebodies by 2024, including the use of carbon fiber for future cabin sidewalls, according to Boeing technical fellow for cabin development, engineering, and certification Andrew Keleher, who revealed this on May 14 during a powerful cabin certification webinar hosted by aviation summit pioneers RedCabin and the Airline Passenger Experience Association. In terms of sustainability, recycling certain cabin interiors remains a challenge, thanks in part to severe regulatory requirements, like as flammability, which limit what materials may be transported on board.

In 2024, Gen Phoenix, a multi-award-winning leader in sustainable material innovation, will launch the aviation industry's first totally recyclable aircraft dress cover in collaboration with Sabeti Wain Aerospace and Doy Design. The Circular Dress Cover is a groundbreaking closed-loop technology that enables airlines to recycle 100% of their end-of-life seat coverings into new seat cover material while maintaining quality, durability, and certification standards.

In 2024, Airbus will launch its first worldwide aircraft recycling project, the Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre (ALSC), in Chengdu, a major aviation hub in Southwest China. ALSC, which spans over 60 hectares, can handle a wide range of common aircraft types while also providing global distribution channels for the resale of reusable parts from decommissioned. The project, which has a total expenditure of 6 billion yuan ($844.55 million), intends to increase the recycling rate of aircraft components and materials, resulting in more than 90% eco-friendly aircraft recycling by weight.

Leading market players are investing heavily in the research and development in order to spread their product lines, which will help the Aircraft Recycling market grow even more. Market players are also undertaking a various strategic activities to spread their global footprint, with important market developments including mergers and acquisitions, hnew product launches, contractual agreements, igher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To spread and survive in the more competitive and rising market climate, the Aircraft Recycling industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize the operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by the manufacturers in the global Aircraft Recycling industry to benefit the clients and grow the market sector. In recent years, the Aircraft Recycling industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to the aircraft industry. Major players in the Aircraft Recycling market, including Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (AELS), Aircraft Part Out Company (APOC), AIR SALVAGE INTERNATIONAL LTD, Aviation International Recycling, Tarmac Aerosave, Total Technic Ltd., Airbus, Boeing, DAE International, Amentum and others, are attempting to raise the market demand by investing in the research and development operations.

Airbus is a major European aerospace corporation and one of the world's leading manufacturers of commercial aircraft, defense systems, and space exploration equipment. Established in 1970, Airbus operates as a consortium of several European companies and has its headquarters in Toulouse, France. The company is renowned for its innovative and technologically advanced aircraft, including the popular A320, A330, A350, and A380 families. Airbus has played a pivotal role in shaping the global aviation industry and is a direct competitor to Boeing. In June 2023, Airbus and Safran announced a partnership to develop new technologies and processes for the recycling and reuse of aircraft materials. The partnership will focus on developing the solutions for recycling composite materials, which are increasingly used in aircraft construction.

Boeing, established in 1916, is a prominent American multinational aerospace company and one of the world's leading manufacturers of commercial jetliners, defense, space, and security systems. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Boeing has played a pivotal role in shaping the global aerospace industry. The company is renowned for its iconic commercial aircraft, inclusive of Boeing 737, 747, 777, and 787 Dreamliner series, which have become integral to the fleets of airlines worldwide. Boeing also holds a significant presence in the defense sector, producing a wide range of military aircraft, satellite systems, and defense technologies. In July 2023, Boeing and ST Engineering announced a partnership to expand their joint aircraft disassembly and recycling facility in Singapore. The expanded facility will be able to process up to 300 aircraft per year, making it one of the biggest aircraft recycling facilities in the world.

Key Companies in the Aircraft Recycling market include

• Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (AELS)


• Aircraft Part Out Company (APOC)


• AIR SALVAGE INTERNATIONAL LTD


• Aviation International Recycling


• Tarmac Aerosave


• Total Technic Ltd.


• Airbus


• Boeing


• DAE International


• Amentum

Aircraft Recycling Industry Developments

October 2023: Air France-KLM and Safran Landing Systems announced a partnership in order to develop and implement a closed-loop recycling program for landing gear components. The program aims to achieve 100% recycling of landing gear components by 2030.

May 2023: Amentum, a U.S.-based government contractor, acquired AEROS Environmental, a leading provider of aircraft recycling and parts support services. The acquisition will expand Amentum's capabilities in the aircraft recycling market.

October 2023: DAE International, a leading provider of aircraft maintenance and engineering services, acquired AELS, a U.S.-based company specializing in aircraft disassembly and recycling. The acquisition will expand DAE International's capabilities in the North American aircraft recycling market.

Aircraft Recycling Market Segmentation

Aircraft Recycling Aircraft Outlook

• Narrow-Body


• Wide-Body


• Regional

Aircraft Recycling Component Outlook

• Engines


• Landing Gear


• Avionics


• Others

Aircraft Recycling Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America