Airbus A320neos Have Been Scrapped

TARMAC Aerosave has confirmed that it has scrapped four Airbus A320neo aircraft as part of a calculated dismantling and recycling process.

The four A320neo were torn down for AerFin, a parts trading specialist in the aviation industry, which also owned the aircraft.

For AerFin, the teardown of these four units represents the first batch of more units that are expected to be recycled by the end of the year, growing TARMAC Aerosave’s figure to over 430 units and improving the recovery rate from project to project to 92%.

These Airbus A320neo aircraft were retired by GoAir on behalf of the current owner, AerFin, which is now responsible for distributing parts to the secondary market, a crucial task, given the importance of the A320neo model to airlines worldwide.

The dismantling will now enable the release of 1,400 of the most in-demand parts to markets worldwide, with the two companies working closely together to develop a tailored workflow.

As part of the workflow, key elements have been prioritised. This includes the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) and landing gear removal at the earlier stages of the teardown, before other parts of the structure are removed.

If the two companies can do this, they state they can reach more critical components faster during the teardown while also allowing these to enter the market, where they’ll be snapped up far quicker than any other teardown plan.

Because the landing gears are removed from the aircraft, TARMAC Aersoave then looks to place the jets on dummy landing gears, which enabled the completion of the remaining work.

We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with AerFin on these A320neo projects. Together we’re demonstrating how efficient planning and advanced recycling techniques can extend the life of aircraft parts and support a more circular aviation economy.

Arthur Rondeau, Business Unit Manager – Dismantling & Recycling at TARMAC Aerosave

The Airbus A320neos, which were dismantled following the collapse of GoAir, the airline facing numerous struggles across its business, ranging from financial strain to issues with its Pratt & Whitney-engine-operated jets.

The A320neo Process

TARMAC Aersoave also revealed further insight into the recycling process involved in the projects it undertakes and how the four phases of work are completed.

Firstly, once the aircraft has been taken in, the company looks to drain the fluids of the aircraft, which includes the fuel and hydraulics.

Part two involves the customer’s request to remove parts. In this case, AerFin has made requests to TARMAC, and these parts are then carefully removed, labelled, and recorded for storage until delivery.

Next is the third part, which TARMAC refers to as greening. This involves restoring the cabin to its original green appearance, referencing the period before it was fitted out.

As a result, the seats, carpets, cables, panelling, even luggage compartments, and entertainment systems are completely dismantled and sorted individually. TARMAC Aerosave says the sorting is even down to the smallest screw.

Our focus is always on giving customers the parts they need, when they need them. By planning gear removal first and streamlining the teardown process with TARMAC Aerosave, we’ve been able to accelerate material availability and deliver real value back to the market.

Simon Bayliss, Chief Operating Officer at AerFin

Lastly, once the entire fuselage interior has been completely emptied and all other relevant processes have been completed, as is visible with the A320neo aircraft, the sad part arrives: the cutting of the fuselage and wing.

Once the scrapping is completely done, the remaining key elements are sent for recycling as part of TARMAC Aerosave’s green initiative. The entire process is a dream for those organisers and logistical masterminds.