Emirates Joins ACC to Boost Circular Aviation Efforts

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Emirates Airlines has become a part of the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), along with a company called SL Metals. Together, they aim to support a "circular economy" in aviation. This means finding smart ways to reuse, recycle, and reduce waste throughout the life of an airplane — from the time it’s built until the time it’s no longer flying.

This move shows that the ACC is growing and getting stronger. It also shows that Emirates is serious about helping the planet by cutting down on pollution and making better use of resources. Back in November 2024, the ACC introduced its big plan called the “2050 Industry Roadmap,” which outlines goals for a cleaner and more circular future in aviation.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

Emirates has already started using recycling and reuse ideas in its daily work. They are finding new uses for old cabin parts, choosing eco-friendly materials, and reducing waste during flights. By joining the ACC, Emirates hopes to share its ideas and learn more from others in the group. The goal is to work together and create smart solutions that help protect the environment.

SL Metals, a company based in Singapore, has also joined the group. They sell aluminum alloy products, which are used in many industries, such as airplanes, engineering, and electronics. Since aluminum is a key material in building airplanes, their knowledge is very important. SL Metals will help the ACC come up with better ways to use and reuse aluminum, which can help cut pollution and waste in the supply chain.

Ahmed Safa, Head of Engineering & MRO at Emirates Group, said that the aviation industry must change how it uses materials. He explained that more and more planes are being retired, and we need better ways to deal with them. Emirates is trying to find new ways to make its planes last longer and reduce waste. He said joining the ACC will help them work with others to find greener solutions.

Sam Tan Yee Leong, the CEO of SL Metals, said that aluminum is very important in aviation and many other industries. He pointed out that making aluminum creates a lot of carbon emissions, which is bad for the environment. So, it’s important to use it wisely and recycle whenever possible. SL Metals is working to improve how it does business and is also helping others in the industry do better. By being part of the ACC, the company wants to support new ideas and solutions that make the aviation supply chain cleaner and stronger.

The ACC believes that working together is the key to making real progress. Emirates is now the second airline to join the group, showing that more airlines understand how important circular economy ideas are to reducing pollution. Emirates will bring its experience in managing planes in a smart and eco-friendly way, especially when it comes to older planes that are no longer in use. SL Metals will also help by sharing its knowledge of materials, especially aluminum, which is becoming more important in aircraft production.

Together, Emirates and SL Metals will help the ACC create new ideas to make aviation more sustainable in the future.