Emirates has joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), teaming up with SL Metals. The goal? To create a circular economy for aviation. This move by Emirates expands the ACC’s membership and supports its drive to reduce supply chain carbon emissions. This drive follows the ACC’s launch of its 2050 Industry Roadmap in November 2024.
“Aviation must rethink how materials are used across an aircraft’s lifecycle, from production to retirement,” said Ahmed Safa, Head of Engineering & MRO, Emirates Group. “With the number of retired aircraft continuing to grow, the need for sustainable end-of-life solutions is more urgent than ever. At Emirates, we are identifying new pathways to extend our fleet’s lifespan, and joining the ACC enables us to collaborate on sustainable initiatives that reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and accelerate aviation’s transition to a circular economy.”
Emirates’ Existing Green Efforts
Emirates already incorporates recycling and circular solutions into its operations as part of its commitment to sustainability. The airline is exploring ways to lessen its impact on the environment. This includes upcycling cabin interiors, using more sustainable materials in its products, and implementing programs to reduce waste on flights. Joining the ACC allows Emirates to contribute to developing circular innovations and strengthen the Consortium’s cooperative efforts.
SL Metals, based in Singapore, is an aluminum alloy distributor. The company serves the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions and brings valuable knowledge of aluminum solutions to the ACC. SL Metals supplies aluminum alloy products for various sectors, including aerospace, engineering, and semiconductors. SL Metals’ involvement will support ongoing efforts to promote sustainable supply chain practices and increase material circularity in aviation.
“Aluminium plays a critical role in aviation, as in many other industries, making responsible sourcing and efficient material use essential,” said Sam Tan Yee Leong, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, SL Metals. “Aluminium production also accounts for 3% of global industrial CO2 emissions, making sustainable practices across the supply chain increasingly important. SL Metals remains committed to improving sustainability within our own operations while supporting broader industry-wide efforts. Through the ACC, we look forward to advancing best practices in aluminium use and supporting initiatives that shape a more resilient and sustainable aviation supply chain.”
Working Together for Change
The ACC brings together key players in the aviation world to advance circularity. Emirates is the second airline to become a member, demonstrating the industry’s growing recognition that circularity is important for reducing carbon emissions. Emirates’ experience in managing its fleet sustainably will be useful in addressing the challenge of handling retired aircraft safely and responsibly. SL Metals’ participation helps the Consortium develop high-impact circular solutions, especially as the need for materials in aviation increases.
In short, Emirates and SL Metals are collaborating with the ACC to promote circularity in aviation, focusing on how materials are used and what happens to aircraft at the end of their lives.
