Industry experts estimate that thousands of commercial aircraft will leave revenue service and be retired over the next 10 to 15 years. Faced by this prospect, leading companies in the aviation industry are taking action and facilitating projects under the auspices of the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA) based in Châteauroux, France.
The organisation has been formed to improve aircraft retirement practices. Founding members’ collective experience in aircraft re-sale, repair, refurbishment, disassembly and recycling totals more than 130 years. ‘Our members have collectively re-marketed and re-certified more than 1500 airplanes, recycled and reclaimed more than 2500 commercial aircraft and more than 1000 military aircraft,’ notes Martin Fraissignes, General Manager Sales & 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.’
The primary objectives of AFRA’s members 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,’ according to Bill Carberry, Project Manager Airplane & Composite Recycling for Boeing Commercial Aircraft. Longer-term plans include the recycling of aircraft interiors and expansion of AFRA into other areas of the world.
Acknowledgement
www.AFRAassociation.org
