Current Practices in Recycling and Reusing of Aircraft Materials and Equipment
Md. Ahsan Habib, Balakrishnan Subeshan, Chandrasekaran Kalyanakumar, Ramazan Asmatulu, Muhammad M. Rahman, Eylem Asmatulu
Abstract
Abstract The aviation industry is experiencing a significant influx of new, technology-driven aircraft materials and equipment due to the increasing demand for air travel. Concurrently, hundreds of aircraft are decommissioned globally each year. Projections indicate that more than thirteen thousand aircraft, encompassing commercial, military, and private sectors, will retire within the next two decades, representing up to 44% of the global fleet. Traditionally, these retired aircraft have been stored in desert-based boneyards. However, the pressing need for sustainable development and the burgeoning market for end-of-life (EOL) aircraft necessitate innovative research into advanced recycling techniques with higher recovery and environmentally friendlier manners. This study delves into the complexities of aircraft recycling, highlighting its critical role in reducing reliance on virgin materials and minimizing environmental impact. By recycling and reusing aircraft components, the aviation industry can significantly curtail the extraction and processing of new materials, yielding substantial economic and ecological benefits. The primary economic incentives, coupled with environmental considerations, are pivotal in driving research in this domain. Nonetheless, regulatory barriers imposed by aviation authorities present significant challenges. Specifically, components with defined life limits must be discarded, and any repair processes must receive manufacturer approval and be incorporated into maintenance manuals. This review examines potential materials within aircraft that are amenable to recycling and reusing. Some of the equipment, such as aircraft engines, fuselages, landing gears, tires, seats, avionics, and hydraulic systems, can be recycled and directly reused in the same or different industries without many modifications. This review also evaluates the recycling initiatives undertaken by leading aerospace companies and delineates the intricate processes involved in aircraft material recycling. Furthermore, it underscores the energy savings and environmental benefits derived from these recycling efforts, and identifies future challenges, emphasizing the need for regulatory and technological advancements to optimize the recycling infrastructure and processes. By addressing these challenges, the industry can enhance the sustainability and efficiency of aircraft recycling, contributing to a more resilient and environmentally responsible aviation sector.