Aircraft Decommissioning Consulting

Why aircraft decommissioning?

The aircraft decommissioning process comprises the retirement of an aging aircraft from operational service, storage for potential aircraft re-use, disassembly and dismantling of the aircraft, and recycling of aircraft materials and parts in the secondary market. If undertaken in a timely and appropriate manner, decommissioning can allow recovery of a good residual value from re-used parts and recycled materials.

Today, more than 700 aircraft are retired each year. This number is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. While around 90% of aircraft parts can be re-used or recycled, most airlines and aircraft owners have limited experience in managing aircraft decommissioning as a controlled process.

Did you know?

• 15,000 commercial aircraft were retired from 1980 to 2015
  
• Once an aircraft is stored, it remains in storage for an average of 3.5 years
  
• The average retirement age of a freighter aircraft is 32.5 years and for a passenger aircraft 25.1 years
  

Why choose IATA Consulting?

IATA has been working with a multi-stakeholder group to evaluate and formulate best practices in the area of aircraft decommissioning. IATA Consulting will work with various stakeholder groups to transmit expert knowledge in operational, economic, regulatory, environmental and safety aspects as well as a “big picture” of the growing global market of aircraft decommissioning, dismantling and recycling.

How IATA Consulting can help

With the help of IATA experts, the timing and process of decommissioning aging aircraft can be optimized, avoiding or minimizing safety and environmental risks.

• Optimize the timing of retirement of aging aircraft
  
• Make a well-founded selection of storage or disassembly facilities and select the right contractual arrangements
  
• Plan suitable quality, safety and environmental management of the aircraft decommissioning process
  
• Optimize the realization of residual value from aircraft decommissioning
  

Who can benefit from this advisory service?

• Airlines and other aircraft owners and operators planning to decommission aging aircraft
  
• Aircraft maintenance companies, general recycling companies and eco-business developers wishing to expand into the aircraft dismantling and recycling business
  
• Any other relevant stakeholders, including authorities and governmental agencies, needing support for getting involved in the processes of aircraft retirement, disassembly, dismantling and recycling
  

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