Milestone
This action involves building the new supply chains required to support the circular economy. This includes constructing the first large-scale, automated facilities for disassembling retired airframes and recycling valuable 'end-of-life' composite materials.
Failure to build these supply chains means the "Circular Economy" mandate remains an unfunded fantasy. Manufacturers would be legally required to build circular aircraft but would have no materials or partners to do so, halting all new aircraft production.
Scenario
Optimising together
Context Factor
A self-sustaining, circular aviation market supported by established economic and industrial models.
Timeline
Medium term
PESTEL
Mandate 'Circular Economy' principles in all new aircraft procurement.
This action establishes the legal requirement that all new aircraft procurement must prioritize recyclability, such as mandating that a high percentage of an airframe to be recyclable by 2035 and including a "digital product passport" for all components.
Read moreCertify recycled materials for primary structural use.
This is the "end-state" of the circular economy. It means creating completely closed material loops where 100% of retired aircraft, batteries, and components are recovered, such as creating a 'closed-loop' system for recycling rare-earth metals from electric motors.
Read moreDemonstrate 'Just Transition' principles in all major industrialization projects.
This means applying the "social contract" (from the Short Term) to real-world projects. It involves ensuring that all new 'gigafactory' and 'airport retrofit' projects adhere to the agreed-upon principles for local hiring, retraining, and community benefit.
Read more"Resolution A42-21 underscores the sector’s dedication to broadening its environmental action beyond emissions reduction, advancing work on climate adaptation and resilience, non-CO₂ effects, and circular economy practices." (2025 ICAO Environmental Report, p. A3)
"In this way, SAF can serve not only as a decarbonisation solution, but also as a vehicle for green industrialisation, especially in developing countries, in line with ICAO “No Country left Behind” Strategic Objective." (2025 ICAO Environmental Report, p. 291)