Aircraft Recycling

Global Aircraft Recycling Market to Reach US$8.6 Billion by 2030

The global market for Aircraft Recycling estimated at US$5.1 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$8.6 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Narrow-body Aircraft, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 9.8% CAGR and reach US$4.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Wide-body Aircraft segment is estimated at 8.2% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$1.4 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 13.9% CAGR

The Aircraft Recycling market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.4 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$1.9 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 13.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% and 8.5% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 5.9% CAGR.

Global Aircraft Recycling Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Aircraft Recycling Critical for the Aviation Industry?

Aircraft recycling has emerged as a vital process in the aviation industry, addressing environmental concerns and economic efficiency. The increasing retirement of aging aircraft, coupled with the growing emphasis on sustainability, has brought aircraft recycling into the spotlight. Recycling ensures that valuable materials, such as aluminum, titanium, and composites, are recovered and reused, reducing the need for raw material extraction and minimizing waste.

Moreover, the process allows for the responsible disposal of hazardous components, including fuel systems and batteries, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The growing recognition of recycling as a means to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint has positioned it as a key strategy in achieving sustainability goals. Airlines, manufacturers, and leasing companies are increasingly embracing recycling programs to enhance their green credentials while optimizing costs.

How Is Technology Revolutionizing Aircraft Recycling Processes?

Technological advancements are transforming the aircraft recycling industry, making processes more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Automation and robotics are being integrated into dismantling operations, enabling precise and faster extraction of valuable components. Advanced shredding and sorting technologies are also enhancing material recovery rates, ensuring that even the smallest usable fragments are not wasted.

The use of AI-driven analytics is optimizing recycling workflows by identifying the most efficient methods for disassembling aircraft and recovering components. Innovations in chemical recycling techniques are addressing challenges associated with composite materials, which are difficult to process using traditional methods. These technologies are paving the way for the recycling of next-generation aircraft that feature higher proportions of advanced composites and hybrid materials.

What Is Driving the Demand for Aircraft Recycling Across the Aviation Ecosystem?

The demand for aircraft recycling is growing across the aviation ecosystem, driven by a combination of economic and environmental factors. In the commercial aviation sector, the wave of aircraft retirements, particularly from aging fleets, has created a steady supply of end-of-life aircraft. Airlines are opting for recycling programs to extract value from retired assets while adhering to sustainability commitments.

The military sector also represents a significant source of demand, with decommissioned aircraft being recycled for their high-value metals and components. In addition, the rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and their high fleet turnover rates have contributed to increased recycling activity. The leasing sector is another key contributor, as leasing companies increasingly mandate sustainable practices, including recycling, at the end of lease terms.

What Factors Are Driving Growth in the Aircraft Recycling Market?

The growth in the aircraft recycling market is driven by several factors. The increasing number of retired aircraft, spurred by fleet modernization initiatives, is a primary driver. Airlines’ focus on reducing their environmental impact and enhancing resource efficiency has amplified the adoption of recycling programs. Advances in recycling technologies, particularly for composite materials, have expanded the scope of recoverable components, further boosting market growth.

Additionally, the stringent environmental regulations imposed on waste disposal have made recycling a more viable and attractive option for the aviation industry. The rising demand for recycled materials, including high-grade metals, from other industries, such as automotive and construction, is creating new revenue streams for recycling companies. These factors, coupled with growing awareness of sustainability among stakeholders, underscore the dynamic growth trajectory of the aircraft recycling market in the coming years.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Aircraft Recycling market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Aircraft Type (Narrow-body Aircraft, Wide-body Aircraft, Regional Jets, Other Aircraft Types); Material Type (Aluminum, Titanium Alloys, Other Material Types)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 48 Featured) -

• Aerocycle
• Air Salvage International Ltd.
• Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (AELS) BV
• Aviation International Recycling S.L.
• ComAvComAv Asset Management, LLC
• Falcon Aircraft Recycling
• MoreAero GmbH
• ROTH International
• Tarmac Aerosave
• Vallair SAS

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

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APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

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JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

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