Industry News

- New rules establish a clear regulatory pathway for overseasdisassembled aircraft parts intended for use in China -

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has formally recognised AFRA Disassembly Accreditation within a new regulatory pathway for overseas aircraft-disassembly organisations seeking to supply Used Serviceable Material (USM) intended for reuse in the Chinese aviation market.

The updated Aircraft Disassembly Advisory Circular establishes a regulatory pathway for qualifying parts recovered from end-of-service aircraft and engines outside China and intended for reuse in the Chinese USM supply chain. The Circular explicitly names AFRA and identifies the AFRA-CAAC Registry as the compliant overseas registration platform.

The Circular follows three years of cooperation between CAAC and the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA), beginning with an agreement signed in September 2023 to align aircraft-disassembly practices and AFRA Best Management Practice requirements with CAAC expectations.

China is one of the world’s largest aviation markets and has historically been difficult for overseas suppliers of dismantled USM to access because of regulatory, documentation and traceability requirements. The updated Circular provides greater clarity for overseas organisations seeking to meet those requirements and establishes a structured route for compliant material. For aircraft owners, lessors and parts suppliers, the framework provides greater clarity on the conditions under which material recovered outside China can be prepared for the Chinese regulated aviation market. 

For qualifying overseas organisations, the framework establishes a defined CAAC approval pathway supported by controlled disassembly, documentation, registration and verifiable provenance. Chinese airlines, MROs and other industry users can consult the registered provenance information as part of their procurement and technical evaluation of disassembled parts.

AFRA accreditation provides a recognised qualification route into the CAAC process, while CAAC retains regulatory approval and oversight. The result is a regulator-recognised pathway linking qualifying overseas disassembly organisations with defined provenance and traceability requirements.

The new framework creates access through control rather than by removing it, with provenance and traceability forming part of the conditions for participation.

The publication represents a major implementation milestone for the CAAC-AFRA Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2023, translating three years of technical cooperation into a practical regulatory pathway for the Chinese aviation supply chain.

Brent Webb, President of AFRA, said: “How an aircraft is disassembled matters. Traceability matters. Quality systems matter. And confidence in the material that returns to service absolutely matters.”

“The revised Advisory Circular creates a pathway for applicable overseas aircraft-disassembly organizations certified to AFRA’s Best Management Practices to seek approval within the CAAC regulatory framework.”

Central to the new pathway is the AFRA-CAAC Registry, which provides a verifiable record linking the source aircraft, disassembly event, disassembly organisation and relevant component information. In practical terms, the objective is to move from provenance being asserted through fragmented documentation to provenance being recorded in a form that can be independently verified. AFRA acts as registry manager, with Block Aero Technologies operating the technology platform.

The AFRA-CAAC Registry, operated on Block Aero Technologies' blockchain-secured infrastructure, is interfaced with China’s CAMAC public-information infrastructure, enabling Chinese users to verify recorded provenance as part of their evaluation of disassembled parts. The system is designed to create a tamper-evident digital record that preserves the provenance information established at the time of disassembly. The registry supports provenance and traceability; it does not establish airworthiness, and components generally remain subject to the appropriate approved maintenance, technical evaluation and release processes before return to service.

The approach also supports the safe reuse of serviceable components from end-of-service aircraft and reflects China’s broader circular-economy policy. It brings together regulatory oversight, traceability and resource efficiency while maintaining applicable environmental and administrative controls.

Together, the measures turn three years of CAAC-AFRA cooperation into a practical regulatory pathway combining CAAC oversight, AFRA-accredited disassembly practices and trusted digital provenance to support aviation safety and responsible reuse in China.

AFRA has more than 60 accredited organisations globally, including more than 40 organisations dedicated to aircraft or engine disassembly. Over the past 12 months, AFRA-accredited organisations have collectively disassembled more than 300 aircraft and more than 500 engines.

On November 14, 2024, AFRA had the privilege of participating in the Airbus Sustainability Conference held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Washington, D.C. The conference, attended by leaders and innovators in the aviation sector, focused on fostering sustainable practices to shape the future of the industry.

AFRA President Brent Webb contributed to the conference as a panelist in the session titled “Circularity in Aviation, R&T, and Business Perspectives.” The session, moderated by Dominik Wacht, VP of Customer Services at Airbus, highlighted key challenges and solutions for achieving sustainability in aviation. Joining Brent on the panel were Tommy Hughes, CEO of VAS Aero Services (an AFRA BMP Accredited member), and Kahina Oudjehani, Senior Leader of R&T and Sustainable Innovation at Airbus A220 and a former AFRA Board Member.

During the discussion, panelists emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing circular economy practices within the aviation industry. They addressed critical topics, including innovations in recycling technologies, sustainable manufacturing practices, and the role of partnerships in driving progress.

AFRA’s active involvement in this high-profile conference underscores its commitment to environmentally responsible end-of-life practices for aircraft and components. As part of its mission, AFRA continues to champion initiatives that align with the global push for sustainability in aviation.

AFRA extends its gratitude to Airbus and the panelists for their dedication to creating a more sustainable future. Together, through collaboration and shared expertise, the aviation industry is taking significant strides toward achieving its sustainability goals.

AFRA recently participated in the IAEG Fall Meeting in Madrid, Spain (September 30 to October 3, 2024), where industry leaders gathered to discuss sustainability initiatives.

AFRA was represented by Board Member Lee McConnellogue (CEO of ecube) and AFRA Interim Executive Director Sam O’Connor, who contributed to Working Group 14, focused on advancing circular economy practices in aviation with an emphasis on sustainable end-of-service protocols.

Insights on Disassembly and Recycling

Lee highlighted the importance of sustainable disassembly, while Sam, leading Sub-Group 3, shared AFRA’s ongoing efforts in refining best practices in aircraft recycling. These discussions underscored AFRA’s leadership in setting industry standards and promoting sustainable aviation.

Expanding Circular Economy in Aviation

A key takeaway from the meeting was the importance of integrating circular economy principles throughout the aircraft lifecycle—including design, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations—to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency. AFRA’s contributions support its mission to promote sustainability across all stages of aviation.

Looking Ahead

The event marked a milestone in AFRA’s collaboration with IAEG. AFRA will continue its work with Working Group 14 and Sub-Group 3, with updates on progress shared with members and partners. As a leading voice in sustainable aviation, AFRA remains committed to meaningful change that supports a circular economy benefiting the industry and the environment.

On Monday, June 24, 2024, during the ASA AFRA Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, AFRA proudly presented the Visionary Award to Derk-Jan (DJ) van Heerden, a distinguished leader in the aircraft recycling field. As the 2024 recipient of the AFRA Visionary Award, Derk-Jan is acknowledged for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to industry standards and environmental stewardship.

Derk-Jan’s impact on sustainable practices in aircraft dismantling has been profound. In 2006, he founded AELS (Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions), a company specializing in sustainable aircraft dismantling. Under his leadership, AELS emerged as a global leader in recycling retired aircraft, ensuring that valuable materials are effectively repurposed. From 2015 to 2019, Derk-Jan served as the President of AFRA (Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association), making significant contributions to AFRA’s mission of advancing responsible and sustainable practices in aircraft recycling. His initiatives not only shaped the future of aircraft recycling but also promote operational efficiency and responsible environmental practices, inspiring others to follow his lead.

Inspired by his passion for recycling aircraft materials, Derk-Jan established the Aethos Foundation in August 2023. Aethos is dedicated to innovative recycling practices, ensuring that retired aircraft materials find new life in the most sustainable way possible. For more information on the Aethos Foundation, visit their official website at www.aethos.aero

Washington, DC, United States of America, 28 June 2024 AFRA is pleased to announce the election of three individuals to its Board of Directors during the Association’s Annual Meeting on June 24, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The following individuals have been elected for a three-year term:

• Brent Webb, CAVU Aerospace
• Rafael Ferro, Boeing Global Services
• Scott Austin, Ascent Aviation Services

Lionel G. Roques of Tarmac Aerosave, who previously served in an appointed role on the Board of Directors, has been appointed to fulfill the remainder of the term for Bettina Berger, GOAL GmbH & Co. KG, who is stepping down.

We extend our gratitude to Bettina for her years of service on the Board, including her valuable contributions as Board Vice President over the last two years. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Manuel Lopez of Jet Aircraft Services for his service over the past three years. His dedication to the association and the industry is truly commendable.

AFRA warmly welcomes Scott Butler to the Board of Directors and looks forward to his future contributions. Furthermore, we anticipate continued contributions and active participation from the returning Board members as we work towards enhancing the association for all members and the aviation recycling community.

Additionally, AFRA appointed James Cobbold, Willis Aircraft Maintenance & Storage and Jim Garcia, United Airlines to serve another one-year term as Appointed Directors.

Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America, 25 June 2024

We, the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA) and the International Aerospace Environmental Group (IAEG), hereby declare our commitment to a collaboration aimed at advancing environmentally responsible practices and promoting the circular economy within the aviation sector.

AFRA, as a dedicated body of best end-of-service practices, and IAEG, as a collaborative technical work group of leading aerospace companies, recognize the urgent need to address the environmental impact of the aviation industry. By joining forces, we aim to develop and promote safe and sustainable management of components and aircraft, while also fostering circular economy principles.

Together with main industry stakeholders, we will leverage our expertise and resources to assess the regulatory landscape surrounding the circular economy in commercial aviation. Our joint efforts will focus on improving voluntary practices for the removal, treatment, and reuse of parts and materials from end-of-life products. By establishing guidance for circularity metrics and reporting standards, we will enable the adoption of more circular practices throughout the aerospace industry.

This partnership underscores our shared commitment to responsible and sustainable practices, as well as our dedication to driving positive change across the entire aerospace value chain. By working together, AFRA and IAEG will contribute to the realization of circular economy goals, reduce waste, promote material reuse, and extend product lifecycles.

We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that will bring about meaningful advancements in environmental stewardship and contributions to a more sustainable future for the aviation sector.

CAAC and AFRA to Cooperate on Aircraft Disassembly Best Management Practices and Compliance

Huntington Beach, CA, USA, 18 September 2023 –The Flight Standards Department of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build cooperation on international aircraft parts disassembly standards and compliance. Han Guangzu, Director General of the CAAC, and Brent Webb, President of AFRA, signed the MoU in Huntington Beach, California, during a ceremony attended by a delegation of representatives from both organizations.

The MoU solidifies the organizations’ mutual commitment to promote best practices for disassembling used serviceable aircraft parts and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the respective countries.

“AFRA is the industry leader in creating and maintaining standards for the disassembly of aircraft parts in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner while mitigating risk. We are proud our expertise has garnered the CAAC’s confidence in their efforts to expand China’s aircraft disassembly options,” shared Brent Webb, President, AFRA.

The MOU sets forth that CAAC and AFRA will agree on a process to support the application of CCAR-145 approval to disassembly facilities outside of China based on AFRA accreditation for limited disassembly functions. Additionally, the MOU calls for the establishment of a means for compiling parts information from disassembly facilities outside of China that meet CAAC requirements.

About CAAC

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is the national aviation authority of China, responsible for regulating civil aviation activities such as flight safety, airworthiness, air traffic control, airspace management, airport construction, and civil aviation administration. CAAC also oversees the development of China’s civil aviation industry, including airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, service providers, research institutes, and training organizations. CAAC’s vision is to build a safe, efficient, green, and innovative civil aviation system that serves the national strategy and meets the needs of the people.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFRA Appoints Maylin Selgado, G.A. Telesis, LLC and Lee McConnellogue, ecube to the Board of Directors

Washington, DC, August 3, 2022 – AFRA welcomes Maylin Selgado, Vice President, ESG and Global Systems, G.A. Telesis, LLC to replace Meghan Burgan. Maylin is the Vice President of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) as well as Global Quality Systems, GA Telesis. Her position drives the execution of the ESG strategy by working with internal stakeholders to gather, analyze and report on various ESG metrics and targets while also directing and coordinating compliance with all applicable standards for Global Quality Systems. She has years of experience and expertise with industry leaders such as American Composites, Express Jet Services and Air France/KLM and has been involved with implementing and maintaining various quality standards, including AS 9110, 9120, ISO 14001, ASA-100, CAMAC, AFRA.

AFRA also welcomes Lee McConnellogue, Chief Executive Officer, ecube, who is replacing Mike Corne. Lee joined ecube earlier this year [2022] to guide the business in enabling strategic growth across sites in the UK, Spain, and USA. With an abundance of experience in the aerospace sector, Lee has previously held roles at Monarch Aircraft Engineering, Flybe and Rolls Royce PLC, where he was Senior Vice President of Service Operations.

AFRA thanks retiring Directors, Meghan Burgan, G.A. Telesis LLC. and Mike Corne, for their significant contribution to the Board.

Both Maylin and Lee will complete the unexpired remainder of the terms, which both run through next year (2023). They will be eligible for reelection at that time. AFRA looks forward to the contribution of their expertise to the Board of Directors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFRA Announces Newly Elected Board of Directors and Officers

Washington, DC, July 12, 2022 – The AFRA announced the election of three individuals to its Board of Directors during the Association’s Annual Meeting on June 6, 2022, in Broomfield, Colorado.

Joining the Board of Directors for a three-year term are:

• Pedro Lama, Aviation International Recycling, S.L
• Barry Barnes, COMAV Technical Services, LLC
• Bettina Berger, GOAL German Operation Aircraft Leasing GMBH & Co. KG

Additionally, AFRA appointed James Cobbold, Willis Aircraft Maintenance & Storage to serve a one-year term on the AFRA Board of Directors. Will Pitcher, Boeing Global Services has been appointed to fulfill the remainder of the term for Sean Newsum, Boeing Commercial Airplanes who is retiring.

AFRA is pleased to welcome these individuals to the Board of Directors and looks forward to their participation and contributions to the progress of the Association.

The current AFRA Directors and Officers are as follows:

AFRA President and Treasurer Brent Webb, CAVU Aerospace

AFRA Vice President Bettina Berger, GOAL German Operation Aircraft Leasing GMBH & Co. KG

AFRA Secretary James Cobbold, Willis Aircraft Maintenance & Storage

Mike Corne, eCube Solutions

Meghan Burgan, GA Telesis LLC

Scott Austin, Air Salvage International Ltd.

Manuel Lopez, Jet Aircraft Services

Pedro Lama, Aviation International Recycling, S.L.

Barry Barnes, COMAV Technical Services, LLC

Will Pitcher, Boeing Global Services

Fabian Nagel, Lufthansa Technik AG

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