The Airbus Lifecycle Services Center, a joint venture with recycling specialist Tarmac Aerosave and the city of Chengdu, China, has started operations, the airframer announced Jan. 24.
Offering to manage the entire lifecycle of an aircraft, the center can provide storage, maintenance, upgrades, conversions, dismantling, and recycling services in Chengdu. As Airbus subsidiary Satair will distribute used parts, the range of solutions is the first of its kind as a one-stop-shop, Airbus said.
The project is the company’s answer to an identified need for storage and end-of-life services in China.
Both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Administration of China have certified the Airbus Lifecycle Services Center (ALSC). Separately, the main buildings have obtained the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for their construction.
The ALSC covers a surface area of 717,000 m² (177 acres) for a storage capacity of 125 aircraft. The site will ramp up operations between now and 2025, directly employing up to 150 employees. Longer-term plans call for 300 employees by 2030.
Some 75% of the aircraft stored at the ALSC are expected to fly again after storage and upgrade. The remaining aircraft will be dismantled with Tarmac Aerosave’s process, which recovers around 90% of the aircraft weight. “Our service center is a great example of Chinese-European cooperation in the development of the circular economy for the aviation industry,” Cristina Aguilar, Airbus SVP for customer services, said.
The project was launched five years ago. The joint venture combines Airbus’ brand, Chengdu’s mature aerospace industry, and Tarmac Aerosave’s maintenance and recycling capabilities. The opening took place almost on time under the 2022 plan, when it was expected late in 2023.
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