aviation; TARMAC Aerosave acquires three Airbus A380s for dismantling and parts recycling – Aviation.Direct

The European aircraft maintenance service provider TARMAC Aerosave has announced the acquisition of three additional Airbus A380s, which will be used as spare parts donors for other aircraft in the future.

These are part of a long-term plan to support the world’s growing A380 fleet by recycling used but functional components. The A380 remains the world’s largest passenger aircraft and has enjoyed a renaissance following the pandemic years. Many airlines are putting their decommissioned planes back into service, increasing demand for spare parts for this iconic aircraft model.

Sustainability in focus: TARMAC Aerosave and the A380

TARMAC Aerosave, known for its specialization in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, has returned a total of 29 A380 aircraft to various commercial airlines since 2023-24. The three Airbus A380s that have now been acquired are to be scrapped or recycled after their valuable parts have been exploited. The process will be carried out at TARMAC Aerosave’s site in Tarbes-Lourdes (LDE), France, where the aircraft are already stored. This strategic decision to dismantle the aircraft on site avoids unnecessary ferry flights and thus also saves additional operating costs and emissions.

The company does not operate in France, but also operates a second facility in Teruel (TEV), Spain. An additional hangar was opened there at the beginning of 2024 specifically for the maintenance of the Airbus A380, which is considered the largest metal-textile hangar in the world. The site has the capacity to service either one widebody aircraft or four narrowbody aircraft simultaneously. With this expansion, TARMAC Aerosave strengthens its position as a leading aircraft recycling and maintenance company in Europe.

Strategic partnerships for the A380

TARMAC Aerosave completed the acquisition of the three Airbus A380s in cooperation with the German asset management company EastMerchant Capital GmbH. This partnership is built to meet increasing demand for A380 parts. EastMerchant specializes in end-of-life solutions and strategies for investors and airlines and had recognized the potential offered by recycling A380 parts. Other parties involved in the transaction include AMS Aircraft Services from Great Britain and the American supplier Skyline Aero, which brings its expertise in used spare parts to the project.

The A380’s parts, so-called “Used Serviceable Materials” (USM), are in demand on the market because they offer airlines a cost-effective way to maintain their aircraft. These are attractive features and the information is available in new versions. In the current market situation, where the aviation industry is getting back on its feet during the pandemic, without such used parts are invaluable.

A growing market for used aircraft parts

The decision to dismantle the three Airbus A380s and reuse their parts is no coincidence. Since several airlines resumed A380 operations, demand for spare parts for the model has steadily increased. Airlines such as Emirates, British Airways and Singapore Airlines have returned their A380 fleets to service and urgently need components to operate these aircraft economically.

TARMAC Aerosave and EastMerchant recognize this market potential and focus on sustainable recycling. Alexandre Brun, CEO of TARMAC Aerosave, stated: “This commitment to sustainability is a key element of TARMAC Aerosave’s business strategy and an important factor in EastMerchant’s decision to initiate this collaboration.”

Recycling and sustainability in aviation

The Airbus A380 with a flight span of over 79 meters and a passenger compartment for up to 850 people is the most impressive aircraft and has been opened. But maintenance challenges and high operating costs have led some airlines to temporarily decommission their fleets during the pandemic. Now that demand for international flights is rising again, the A380 has made a comeback.

For TARMAC Aerosave and similar companies, the environmentally friendly recycling of aircraft has become a central part of their business. Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the aviation industry, which is responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions. By reusing aircraft parts and properly disposing of airframes, TARMAC Aerosave makes an important contribution to environmental protection.

Since its founding in 2007, TARMAC Aerosave has maintained around 1,200 aircraft and dismantled a further 400 airframes and 230 engines. With locations in Tarbes, Teruel and Toulouse, the company can store and carry out maintenance on over 280 aircraft at a time. This large capacity and expertise in aircraft recycling make TARMAC Aerosave one of the leading companies in the industry.

The future of the A380 fleet

Despite its size and high operating costs, the A380 remains a symbol of modern aviation. While some airlines continue to rely on aircraft to meet increasing demand for long-haul flights, others are considering exiting this market segment. Nevertheless, the role of TARMAC Aerosave and its partners in the area of ​​aircraft recycling is likely to become increasingly important as more and more airlines focus on the sustainable use of their fleets.

The future of the A380 may be uncertain, but with companies like TARMAC Aerosave extending the economic and environmental life of these aircraft, the model is likely to be seen in the skies for a long time to come.