Where do airplanes go to die?
Someday, the Boeing Co. intends to build airplanes out of materials that can be recycled back into future jets.
“It’s really a closed-loop product life cycle we’re trying to create,” said Jeanne Yu, who directs airplane environmental performance for Boeing.
In the meantime, though, both Boeing and its rival Airbus strive to recycle as much of the commercial airplanes they make as possible. Boeing estimates that at least 7,200 aircraft will be taken out of service over the next 20 years.
In 2005, Airbus started PAMELA, or Process for Advanced Management of End of Life Aircraft, for that purpose. In turn, Boeing helped start the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association, known as AFRA. Besides Boeing, the association includes members such as Rolls-Royce, GE, Pratt &Whitney and Alcoa.
The recycling association has developed a set of procedures for the recycling of airplanes, which contain hazardous chemicals as well as tons of recyclable material.
The association says it has recycled more than 6,000 commercial aircraft and another 1,000 military jets to date.
By 2016, Boeing and the association aim to be able to recycle 90 percent of an aircraft.
“I think we’re headed in the right direction,” Yu said.
About 25,000 tons of aluminum are recycled each year. The aluminum that’s recycled can be used in things like electronics, said Mary Armstrong, vice president of environment, health and safety for the Boeing Co.
Eventually, Boeing aims for a “cradle-to-cradle” approach to building and recycling aircraft.
“Right now, it’s cradle-to-someone-else’s-cradle,” Armstrong said.
The company is working with partners, like Italy’s Alenia Aeronautica, to develop recycling practices for the company’s newest jet, the mostly carbon fiber composite 787 Dreamliner. Boeing hopes to deliver the first 787 later this year, meaning the world won’t see Dreamliners reaching retirement age for roughly two decades.
“Recycling is one of our major focus areas,” Armstrong said.
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