Clyde Buntrock, CEO at AJW Aviation & Technique, explains his company’s position

With a rich heritage spanning more than 90 years, AJW Group stands proudly as a global supply chain solutions provider. We are dedicated to ensuring the continuous and sustainable operation of some of the world’s largest airline fleets through our unrivalled expertise in component supply, repair and unwavering support.

Our global, multilingual teams offer service excellence to more than 1,000 airlines across 100 countries. The Group operates with airlines, OEMs, component MROs and leasing companies, offering a wide range of services including surplus inventory optimisation and monetisation, nose-to-tail component reliability engineering and onsite inventory placement.

Our dedicated sales and service teams are supported by the group’s global stock locations, operational hubs and offices located across Africa, Asia Pacific, China, CIS, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and North America. AJW Technique in Montreal and AJW Technique Interiors provide tailored solutions to our customers’ MRO, design, development and manufacturing needs.
The company has established mutually beneficial, trusted partnerships to transform aviation efficiency through digital transformation and sustained
business practices, utilising its extensive vendor supply chain to lead the industry, while remaining focused on service excellence for its customers.
Our dedication to growth and change extends beyond our commitment to our customers, however, as it includes the environment and sustainable business practices. We signed up to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to reinforce our commitment to responsible eco-friendly operations that benefit the industry and society.
AJW is focusing on three key areas: prioritising the repair, reuse and recycling of aircraft components; increasing our eco-friendly practices; and delivering on our commitment to the four pillars of the UN Global Compact; human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Sustainable corporate governance 
Seven of the ten UN Global Compact principles fall under the pillars of human as such our sustainability efforts reach deep into our corporate governance.
The Group’s Legal and People teams work tirelessly to ensure our business adheres to the six principles relating to human rights and labour. Our commitment is to respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and to ensure we are not complicit in any human rights abuses.
Our corporate governance regarding Labour upholds freedom of association, eliminates forced and compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour and elimination of employment and occupational discrimination. The elimination of corruption, including extortion and bribery, is built into the fabric of our company culture and the Finance and Legal team offers regular compulsory training to staff on the topic.

Advocating greener skies
Recognising our role in safeguarding the planet, we have made sustainability a top priority on our agenda and are working towards a future with cleaner and more environmentally conscious skies.
Companies worldwide are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and allocating technological resources to create and produce environmentally friendly products. The challenge for industry stakeholders, however, is balancing the need for passenger comfort and a pleasant flying experience, and meeting operators’ needs for weight and cost reductions.
Addressing the three principles that fall under the environmental pillar, our Procurement team and Sustainability Partner research and source more sustainable methods of business operation. By using more sustainable packaging materials and effective waste management systems, AJW is driving greener warehousing practices. Through internal communications and training, the AJW staff has a growing awareness of the company’s sustainability goals. This is a team effort and we’re focusing on sustainable unity to drive our goals.
Regarding product sustainability, seat coverings are being developed using more lightweight and sustainable materials. Manufacturers are doing their bit to assist airlines with weight savings by combining the qualities of comfort, quality and maintainability, making the interior products more cost-effective for operators while giving passengers a better flying experience.
AJW Interiors has partnered with the largest seat covering manufacturing facility in Europe, AutoStop Aviation, and is the sole distributor of SkyLeather. Using a newly developed formulation made from 100 per cent water-based PU (polyurethane), this revolutionary material is changing the way we think about cabin refurbishment. It is a unique, sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to hide leather and materials made from petrochemicals.

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