Recycled aircraft
Recycled aircraft
Keywords: Aircraft components, Recycling
The following companies recently came together to form Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA), Alton (UK), Bartin Recycling Group (Châteauroux,France), Châteauroux Air Center (Châteauroux, France), Evergreen Air Center, (Marana AZ), Europe Aviation (Châteauroux, France), Huron Valley Steel (Tucson, AZ), Milled Carbon Ltd (Warwickshire, UK), The Boeing Company– Affiliate Member (Chicago, IL), and WINGNet – Affiliate Member(Oxford, UK). While not directly involved in aircraft fleet recycling as a major part of their respective businesses, Affiliate Members Boeing and WINGNet bring unique perspectives to issues pertinent to the AFRA mission that will be valuable to the organisation. “Our members have collectively re-marketed and recertified more than 1,500 aeroplanes, recycled and reclaimed more than 2,500 commercial aircraft and more than 1,000 military aircraft,” states Martin Fraissignes, General Manager Sales and Marketing for Châteauroux Air Center. “In addition, to AFRA's inherent knowledge base the organisation will play a key role in sustainable development and they will utilise modern, established facilities in Europe and North America for all operational requirements.”
Industry experts estimate that thousands of commercial aircraft will leave revenue service and be retired in the next 10-15 years. With these large estimates facing the aviation industry, leading companies are taking action and facilitating projects within AFRA. “Boeing supports efforts like AFRA that will foster experience-based, environmentally sound practices” states Bill Glover, Director, Environmental Performance Strategy for Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes.
The primary objectives AFRA Founding Members share include:
development of a code of conduct for ageing aircraft management;
establishment of next-generation standards and practices;
expansion of AFRA standards and best-practices through broader industry association; and
continued co-operation between all AFRA members in technical and commercial matters.
“The materials recovery technologies in AFRA will be an important step forward for the industry” said Bill Carberry, Project Manager Aeroplane and Composite Recycling for Boeing Commercial Aircraft. The longer-range plans include the recycling of aircraft interiors and an expansion of AFRA to other areas of the world. “To summarise, our Founding Members within AFRA represent forward thinking companies that will make a positive impact towards the future of ageing aircraft recycling and overall value” states Paul Worthington, senior.
Details available from: AFRA, web site: www.afraassociation.org/
