Context:

While in-flight operations are acknowledged as being a significant contributor to the overall environmental impact of aviation, there is a clear need to take a more holistic approach by embracing circular economy principles and reducing the dependency on virgin materials, extending the lifespan of components as well as minimising waste. The European Green Deal and the current geopolitical situation suggest that a circular economy and its associated strategies could be a viable solution for a resilient European aviation sector.

This context requires aviation to undergo a paradigm shift; aviation must embed sustainability in the core of its modus-operandi. This will redefine aircraft design and operations across its entire life cycle. Aviation has begun to embrace the challenge of implementing new propulsion solutions and energy sources, exploring the impact on new aircraft designs. On the other hand, the life cycle character is less evident, in particular with regards to the end-of-life phase. End-of-life practices have not evolved at the same pace as other technologies and solutions for sustainable aviation. With an estimated 1000 to 1500 aircraft per annum reaching retirement and with recovery rates relatively low, a need exists to adopt more end-of-life practices, based on circular economy strategies.

To address these challenges, the network for an Environmentally Compatible Air Transport System (ECATS) decided to establish a working group: Circular Aviation (CircA). The group focusses on the research necessary towards achieving a circular economy in aviation (shortened as circular aviation); the particular focus of the group is on the aircraft.