Airbus is working with partners to promote a circular economy in the aviation industry as it started operations at its first service centre dedicated to the entire lifecycle of an aircraft in China’s Chengdu province. 

The Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre (ALSC) will offer solutions to manage the entire lifecycle of an aircraft as a ‘one-stop’ shop. This includes the full range of activities from aircraft parking and storage to maintenance, such as upgrades, conversions, dismantling and recycling services for various aircraft types, as well as the controlled distribution of used parts from dismantling. 

The centre, which spans 717,000 square metres (or around 60 hectares), is certified by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)and has a storage capacity of 125 aircraft. 

Cristina Aguilar, Airbus SVP Customer Services, said “the service centre is a great example of Chinese-European cooperation in the development of the circular economy for the aviation industry.” 

Airbus noted the site will progressively ramp up operations between now and 2025, directly employing up to 150 employees. Built with a total investment of US$844.55 million, the Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre is a joint venture between Airbus, Tarmac Aerosave and the city of Chengdu, along with Airbus company Satair.