Aircraft dismantling market worth US$ 80 million

Worldwide – The total value of the global aircraft dismantling services market will rise to US$ 80 million this year, says a new industry study by TeamSAI Consulting. Between 1200 and 1800 aircraft will be taken apart over the next three years, it adds.

The study found that nearly US$ 3.2 billion worth of harvested parts will be made available to the commercial aviation supply chain in the form of aftermarket parts during the course of this year. It is claimed these will offer savings of around 50% compared to new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.

′This substantive piece of research confirms that our industry is both vibrant and growing,′ argues Martin Fraissignes, executive director of the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA). ′As our sector grows, it is increasingly clear that it is not just about having enough dismantling and recycling capacity – it must be the right capacity,′ he adds. In short, it is ′very important′ that new entrants adopt the good practices developed by established players.

According to TeamSAI′s president David Marcontell, the study underscores the impact that the high level of aircraft retirements is having on the aftermarket supply chain, especially for mature fleets. ′There are US$ 3.2 billion worth of alternatives to new parts or expensive repairs out there, undoubtedly having a material impact on OEMs, MROs (maintenance, repair and overhaul businesses), and aftermarket parts distributors alike,′ he notes.

TeamSAI′s survey was conducted in partnership with AFRA and is based on input from 36 of the association′s members.

For more information, visit: www.betterinsight.aero

A feature article on aircraft recycling will appear in the May issue of Recycling International.