Ecube, a subsidiary of Unical Aviation, has committed to registering their next 100 aircraft recycling projects under the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA) and Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) initiative. This program aims to harmonize global standards for aircraft disassembly and parts traceability, utilizing Block Aero’s blockchain-powered Registry-as-a-Service to enhance safety, sustainability, and market access for recycled components.
Lee McConnellogue, CEO of Ecube, remarked, “We are delighted to join this groundbreaking global program. At Ecube, our mission is to provide sustainable, compliant end-of-life solutions for aircraft. By collaborating with AFRA, CAAC, Block Aero, and other key players, we are proactively building a safer, more reliable, and environmentally responsible future for our industry.”
Integrating data from these 100 aircraft into the AFRA-CAAC Parts Registry will create comprehensive digital passports for each part, ensuring clear provenance and compliance with CAAC regulations. This integration aims to streamline processes for dismantlers, asset managers, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations by incorporating blockchain data into existing systems, enhancing visibility and trust in marketplaces, and facilitating faster transactions with potentially higher returns for recycled components.
The global aircraft recycling market is projected to grow from $4.7 billion in 2023 to $9.7 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8%. This growth is driven by increasing aircraft retirements and a focus on sustainability. The AFRA-CAAC program, supported by Unical and Ecube’s commitment, aims to unlock new opportunities by enhancing safety and compliance, meeting international standards to build confidence among airlines and MROs through certified traceability of the aircraft disassembly process. It also seeks to reduce maintenance costs by providing streamlined access to high-quality, competitively priced materials globally, and promotes sustainability by accelerating the adoption of circular economy practices across the aviation industry.
Brent Webb, President of AFRA, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, noting that investing in these projects demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and safety, positioning participants to shape the future of the industry.
Unical Aviation, headquartered in Glendale, Arizona, is a leader in the commercial aerospace used serviceable material market. In September 2024, Unical acquired Ecube Solutions, a global expert in aircraft storage, disassembly, and transition services with bases in the UK, Spain, and the USA. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in Unical’s expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering comprehensive aviation solutions worldwide.
As an independent unit within the Unical Group, Ecube continues to operate under its established name, focusing on optimizing the value of each aircraft for every client. The collaboration between Unical and Ecube aims to provide comprehensive, end-to-end services to aircraft owners globally.
