Sustainable Fan Blade Recycling for a Greener Aviation Supply Chain – A KP Aviation Case Study

Presentation Type

Short presentation 10-15 minutes

In Person or Zoom Presentation

Virtual via Zoom

Campus

Prescott

Status

Faculty

Faculty/Staff Department

School of Business

Student Year and Major

2022 and 2023, BS in Aviation Business Administration

Presentation Description/Abstract

This case study explores the ways to enhance sustainability within the aviation supply chain by recycling non-repairable fan blades. The project aims to reduce waste and recover valuable materials such as titanium, nickel alloys, and carbon fiber composites from scrapped components. Through site visits to KP Aviation’s teardown facility and the ECUBE recycling center, the research team conducted data collection and material analysis to assess the feasibility and impact of recycling initiatives. The study recommends segregating fan blades from other scrap materials, partnering with certified aviation recyclers, and establishing direct recycling agreements to maximize revenue and sustainability outcomes. The proposed circular supply chain model not only diverts thousands of blades from landfills but also transforms waste into revenue-generating inputs. Future implementation includes piloting the recycling process, measuring its financial and environmental impact, and expanding the scope to include additional blade types and MRO partnerships.

Keywords

Green Supply Chain, Sustainability, Aftermarket Aviation Assets

Comments

Eileen Kim and Nicholas Kort are the student research associates of the project.

Seung-Hwan Kim is the faculty advisor and the principle investigator of the project.

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Sustainable Fan Blade Recycling for a Greener Aviation Supply Chain – A KP Aviation Case Study

This case study explores the ways to enhance sustainability within the aviation supply chain by recycling non-repairable fan blades. The project aims to reduce waste and recover valuable materials such as titanium, nickel alloys, and carbon fiber composites from scrapped components. Through site visits to KP Aviation’s teardown facility and the ECUBE recycling center, the research team conducted data collection and material analysis to assess the feasibility and impact of recycling initiatives. The study recommends segregating fan blades from other scrap materials, partnering with certified aviation recyclers, and establishing direct recycling agreements to maximize revenue and sustainability outcomes. The proposed circular supply chain model not only diverts thousands of blades from landfills but also transforms waste into revenue-generating inputs. Future implementation includes piloting the recycling process, measuring its financial and environmental impact, and expanding the scope to include additional blade types and MRO partnerships.