At the Aviation Week Network’s MRO Europe in Barcelona, a significant contract was signed between TARMAC Aerosave, a French aircraft recycling specialist, and EastMerchant, a German aviation services provider. This agreement is centred on the dismantling and recycling of three Airbus A380 aircraft, which will take place at TARMAC Aerosave’s Tarbes facility in France over the coming months. These three aircraft, stored by TARMAC, will not be returned to service, and instead, their components will be repurposed for the secondary market.
As TARMAC Aerosave works on returning a total of 29 A380s to service by 2024, there is increasing demand for spare parts for the iconic wide-body aircraft. EastMerchant, which provides integrated aviation services and innovative end-of-life solutions for its investors and airline clients, has recognised this demand. The company has partnered with Skyline Aero, a United Kingdom-based supplier of used serviceable materials (USM), to manage the selection and sale of relevant parts from the three retired A380s. Skyline Aero will handle all aspects of sales and distribution from its UK headquarters.
TARMAC Aerosave has extensive experience in both maintaining and recycling A380s. Since 2021, it has returned 29 A380s to service and will have recycled a total of 15 A380s, including the three mentioned in this new agreement. This expertise in dismantling and recycling aircraft has been recognised by the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA), which has awarded TARMAC Aerosave its highest “Diamond” accreditation level for dismantling and recycling.
Alexandre Brun, CEO of TARMAC Aerosave, expressed enthusiasm about continuing work on the A380, stating that the company is proud to contribute to the extension of the A380 fleet’s operational life while responsibly recycling what is no longer in use. This partnership highlights the growing importance of sustainable end-of-life strategies for wide-body aircraft in the aviation industry.
