The Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre (ALSC) has officially started its operations in Chengdu, China, offering solutions to manage the entire lifecycle of an aircraft.

This centre is the first of its kind to cover, as a one-stop-shop, the full range of activities – from aircraft parking and storage to maintenance, upgrades, conversions, dismantling and recycling services for various aircraft types.

The centre also covers the controlled distribution of used parts from dismantling.

Certified by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the centre covers a surface area of 717,000 sqm and has a storage capacity of 125 aircraft.

Airbus says the ALSC will progressively ramp up operations between now and 2025, directly employing up to 150 employees.

Cristina Aguilar, Airbus senior vice president of customer services, said: “I’m glad to see the Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre enter into service in Chengdu.

“It echoes our purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace and shows our approach to environmental responsibility across the entire aircraft lifecycle.

“Our service centre is a great example of Chinese-European cooperation in the development of the circular economy for the aviation industry.”

The main buildings have obtained the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for construction, which contributes to reducing the environmental impacts of operations at the site.

The centre unites under one roof a joint venture between Airbus, Tarmac Aerosave, the city of Chengdu, and Airbus company Satair.

Tarmac Aerosave brings more than 15 years of proven expertise in efficient aircraft storage, dismantling and recycling to the project.

Located in the same centre, Satair will acquire ageing aircraft and trade and distribute the used parts to complete the full scope of lifecycle services.

Approximately 75% of the aircraft stored in the centre are expected to fly again after storage and upgrade by the joint venture.

The remaining aircraft will be dismantled with the unique Tarmac Aerosave process, recovering around 90% of the aircraft weight.

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