TARMAC Aerosave becomes the world’s first triple AFRA-accredited company, doubling aircraft dismantling capacity

TARMAC Aerosave has set a new industry benchmark by becoming the first company in the world to secure Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA) accreditation across all three scopes of aircraft disassembly, dismantling and recycling, earning Diamond status, the organization’s highest level of recognition.

The company also unveiled a new 15,000-square-meter aircraft dismantling and recycling area at its Tarbes facility during MRO Europe 2026. Combined with increasing activity across its three operational sites, the expansion will enable TARMAC Aerosave to double its annual processing capacity to up to 100 aircraft.

Triple AFRA accreditation earns diamond-level recognition

TARMAC Aerosave has reached a new milestone in international recognition of its industrial expertise and commitment to sustainable aviation practices. Already accredited by the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA) since 2023, the Group has become the first aircraft maintenance, storage and recycling specialist worldwide to secure accreditation across all three AFRA certification scopes, fully aligned with the association's Best Management Practices.

This achievement is further distinguished by the award of AFRA's highest Diamond-level recognition, underscoring TARMAC Aerosave's leadership in responsible aircraft end-of-life management and recycling.

This triple accreditation covers three complementary activities, as defined by AFRA:

• Disassembly: Removal and separation of parts and components from an aircraft or aerospace assembly. 

• Dismantling: Systematic deconstruction of end-of-life aircraft, without the intention of recovering components for reuse. TARMAC Aerosave has developed its own process, known as "greening", which involves removing all cabin elements (electronics, wiring, fasteners, fabrics, etc.) and sorting them before proceeding with the dismantling of structural components.

• Recycling: Processing recovered materials into secondary raw materials for use in the manufacture of new products. TARMAC Aerosave recycles more than 92% of an aircraft's total weight.

Awarded with a Diamond-level performance rating, this accreditation covers TARMAC Aerosave's facilities in Tarbes, France, and Teruel, Spain.

Aircraft dismantling and recycling capacity set to double

With the opening of a new 15,000-square-meter facility at its historic Tarbes site, TARMAC Aerosave has reached a significant milestone in the expansion of its aircraft dismantling and recycling operations.

The new infrastructure, combined with increasing activity across the Group’s three facilities in Tarbes, Teruel and Toulouse, will enable TARMAC Aerosave to double its annual processing capacity to as many as 100 aircraft. The company is equipped to handle the full spectrum of commercial aircraft, from regional turboprops and jets to large widebody airliners.

The expansion responds to growing demand from airlines, lessors and aircraft owners seeking sustainable and efficient end-of-life fleet management solutions. It further enhances TARMAC Aerosave’s ability to provide a fully integrated service offering, encompassing aircraft retirement, component recovery, parts remarketing and material recycling.

All dismantling and recycling activities are conducted in accordance with stringent environmental standards. Robust processes are in place to ensure full component traceability, responsible waste management and the proper treatment and recovery of materials throughout the dismantling cycle.

Advancing industrial growth and environmental leadership

Since its founding in 2007, TARMAC Aerosave has developed a comprehensive approach to aircraft lifecycle management, integrating storage, maintenance, transitions and end-of-life recycling services within a single industrial ecosystem.

By combining a major expansion of its industrial capabilities with international recognition of its aircraft recycling expertise, the Group is reinforcing its commitment to supporting the aviation industry's evolving needs through efficient, sustainable and responsible solutions.

These latest milestones further cement TARMAC Aerosave's position as a key contributor to the development of a more circular aviation sector, focused on extending component lifecycles, optimizing resource utilization and maximizing material recovery.

To date, TARMAC Aerosave has welcomed more than 2,120 aircraft, returned 1,580 aircraft to service, and successfully dismantled 490 aircraft and 260 engines, underscoring its growing expertise and scale in aircraft asset management and recycling.