Aircraft Recycling Market Report 2026

The aircraft recycling market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.39 billion in 2025 to $5.8 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in aircraft retirements supplying recyclable materials and components, rising demand for cost-effective used serviceable materials in aviation maintenance, expansion of dismantling and disassembly capabilities by specialized recyclers, increasing focus on reducing landfill waste from decommissioned aircraft, development of standardized processes for safe and non-destructive dismantling.

The aircraft recycling market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.66 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expected increase in next-generation aircraft retirements driving higher recycling volumes, rising emphasis on sustainability goals across the aviation sector, advancements in material recovery technologies improving yield of aluminum and titanium, growing demand for certified recycled aircraft parts in MRO operations, expansion of global aircraft recycling infrastructure to handle larger fleets. Major trends in the forecast period include increased demand for recycled aluminum and titanium in aerospace manufacturing, adoption of non-destructive dismantling technologies, growth in secondary aircraft parts resale market, expansion of end-of-life aircraft services globally, regulatory support for environmentally sustainable aircraft disposal.

The growing global awareness of environmental issues is expected to drive the aerospace recycling market. Awareness of environmental issues refers to the understanding and recognition individuals, communities, organizations, and societies have regarding environmental challenges and concerns. As environmental issues gain prominence, governments and regulatory bodies are implementing stricter environmental regulations and sustainability requirements. Aerospace companies face increasing pressure to comply with these standards, prompting them to adopt more sustainable practices, including recycling. For example, in November 2024, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a UK-based independent national statistical institute, reported that approximately 57% of adults considered climate change and environmental concerns important issues, compared with a peak of 69% between July and August 2023. Therefore, rising global environmental awareness is contributing to the growth of the aircraft recycling market.

Major companies in the aircraft recycling market are focusing on developing technologically advanced solutions, such as comprehensive aircraft recycling projects designed to meet multiple industry needs. These projects aim to recover valuable materials, reduce waste, and enhance sustainability in aviation. For instance, in January 2024, Airbus, a Europe-based aerospace company, launched its first global aircraft recycling initiative, the Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre (ALSC), located in Chengdu, Southwest China. With an investment of 6 billion yuan (approximately $844.55 million), the initiative aims to improve aircraft component recycling rates and achieve more than 90% eco-friendly recycling by weight. The ALSC received its first aircraft - an A330-200 - for dismantling and recycling on August 29, 2024. The project, developed in collaboration with Airbus China R&D and Innovation Centre and Hengri Corporation, focuses on material recycling and reuse and serves as a one-stop facility offering maintenance, upgrades, and controlled distribution of reusable parts. Airbus emphasizes that the initiative aligns with China's sustainable development and circular economy goals, marking a significant step toward environmentally responsible aviation.

In September 2024, Unical Aviation, a US-based supplier of aircraft parts and components, acquired ecube Solutions for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to significantly expand Unical’s presence and service capabilities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Ecube Solutions, a UK-based company involved in aircraft recycling, specializes in disassembly and the reuse of aircraft components.

Major companies operating in the aircraft recycling market are Aircraft Solutions USA, AELS (Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions), Aviation International Recycling LLC, Bartin Aero Recycling, CAVU Aerospace, ELG Carbon Fibre Ltd, GA Telesis LLC, Aircraft Demolition LLC, Air Salvage International Ltd, Universal Asset Management Inc, Airplane Recycling, Ecube Solutions Ltd, Lufthansa Technik AG, Tarmac Aerosave, Vallair Solutions, AerSale Inc, AvAir, Boeing Global Services, A J Walter Aviation Limited, Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions BV, Magnetic MRO AS, AELS BV, ATS Group, Delta Material Services.

North America was the largest region in the aircraft recycling market in 2025. The regions covered in the aircraft recycling market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have impacted the aircraft recycling market by increasing costs for imported materials and components, especially aluminum, titanium, and composite parts, leading to higher operational expenses for recycling service providers. Regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, which are key hubs for aircraft recycling and manufacturing, are most affected. Segments such as engines, avionics, and fuselage components face the highest impact due to dependence on cross-border trade. However, tariffs also encourage local sourcing and domestic recycling initiatives, potentially boosting regional market growth and self-sufficiency.

The aircraft recycling market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides aircraft recycling market statistics, including the aircraft recycling industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with an aircraft recycling market share, detailed aircraft recycling market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the aircraft recycling industry. This aircraft recycling market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Aircraft recycling is the process of dismantling retired or decommissioned aircraft to extract valuable materials such as aluminum, titanium, and parts for reuse or resale. This approach aids in reducing waste, minimizing environmental impact, and repurposing materials for new manufacturing. Ultimately, it promotes sustainability within the aviation industry.

The primary products obtained through aircraft recycling encompass engines, landing gear, and avionics. Engines stand out as particularly valuable components derived from the recycling process, often remaining in good condition after an aircraft is decommissioned. These engines can be subjected to repair, upgrades, or resale for use in other aircraft. The materials recovered through recycling include aluminum and various other metals and alloys. Aircraft recycling encompasses a range of aircraft types, including narrow-body, wide-body, and regional aircraft.

The countries covered in the aircraft recycling market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The aircraft recycling market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as scrapping and disassembling retired aircraft, re-purposing their parts as spare parts, or scrap, non-destructive dismantling. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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