The commercial aircraft disassembling, dismantling and recycling market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.85 percent until 2032, according to a 2023 industry report – a significant hike on the CAGR of 4.80 percent forecast for the same period just 12 months ago.

According to the Commercial Aircraft Disassembly, Dismantling and Recycling Market Report 2023-2033, the value of the market, which stood at $5.95 billion in 2021, will grow to $14.35 billion by 2032. Its resurgence followed a 12.13 percent decline in 2020.

The figures not only reflect how the pandemic has accelerated the decommissioning of planes – the annual rate has grown from 460 over the past 35 years to 700 today, and by 2033, the International Air Transport Association predicts it will rise further to 1,100 – but also the increased interest in upgrading existing fleets.

Flying in the face of predictions they would accelerate the deactivation of most of their A380s following the 2021 decision by AirBus to cease production of the jumbo jet, Emirates, British Airways and Singapore Airlines are busy retrofitting their existing planes.

According to Stratview Research, the low cost of USM, also known as used serviceable material, is the “biggest factor behind the exponential growth in the market”. Its latest report expects the market to reach $9.5 billion by 2027.

Will aircraft retirements create a potential USM goldmine?

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Price, reliability and sustainability draw new customers to USM market