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AFRA Participates in Airbus 2024 Sustainability Conference

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.

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AFRA Participates in IAEG Fall Meeting: Pioneering Circular Economy Initiatives in Aviation

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.

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Celebrating Leadership in Aircraft Recycling: Derk-Jan van Heerden Awarded AFRA Visionary Award

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

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AFRA and IAEG Forge Alliance to Propel Sustainable Aviation Practices and Circular Economy Initiatives

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.

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AFRA Announces Elected and Appointed Board of Directors

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.

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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

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ASA AFRA Annual Conference 2024

Attracting aviation professionals globally, the ASA AFRA Annual Conference is the premier event for aviation distribution industry. Each year, the event offers a variety of business development, quality assurance, regulatory/legal and general industry topics. This program includes:

• General Sessions – Comprehensive assessments of the state of the industry.
• Workshop Series – In-depth analyses of specific business, quality and regulatory/legal issues.
• Exhibit Hall – Features the industry’s most innovative companies.
• Networking Events – Receptions, lunch and dinner.
• Co-located with the ASA Annual Conference, open attendance for both groups.

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AFRA signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Flight Standards Department of the CAAC

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. 

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Newsletter Posted

The November 2022 Newsletter has been posted to the AFRA website. Click the button below to read the newsletter.

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Press release

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.

Press release

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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