Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chinese city of Chengdu and Tarmac Aerosave for the development of the first aircraft “lifecycle” service center in China. 

“This is another concrete contribution to the aviation industry’s quest for sustainability, supporting the principle of a circular economy in line with Airbus’ purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace,” said Klaus Roewe, Head of Customer Services in Airbus. “Airbus is committed to investing in the region and this one-stop-shop – a first in China and outside of Europe – will see Airbus well positioned on the Chinese aircraft ‘second life’ services market.” 

Tarmac Aerosave provides aircraft maintenance, reconditioning, and dismantling services. Headquartered in Tarbes Lourdes Pyrénées Airport (LDE) in France, Tarmac manages one of the biggest aircraft storage facilities in Europe. 

The 690,000-square-meter facility will be able to store 125 aircraft. It will also house a branch of Satair, a subsidiary of Airbus dealing in second-hand aircraft parts.

It is scheduled to open in late 2023, pending a final agreement to be signed by the three parties later in 2022.