Emirates has joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), the Dubai-based carrier announced on April 7. 2025. The ACC aims to unlock the circular economy for aviation, and the airline’s participation will contribute to the continued growth of the ACC as it aims to accelerate supply chain decarbonization through high-value circularity.
The Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC) is a network of organizations committed to building a circular economy for the aviation industry. The ACC’s mission is to bring together key stakeholders, including airlines, regulators, OEMs, suppliers, and financial organizations, to shape and strengthen new pathways to accelerate decarbonization through high-value circularity in the global supply chain.
According to an airline statement, Emirates “has embedded recycling and circular solutions within its operations as part of its sustainability strategy. From cabin interior upcycling and incorporating more sustainable materials in its products to inflight initiatives and waste reduction programs, the airline continues to explore innovative ways to reduce its environmental footprint. By joining the ACC, Emirates will contribute to advancing circular aviation innovations, further strengthening the Consortium’s collaborative momentum.”
The Middle-Eastern airline joins the ACC alongside SL Metals of Singapore. The company is a major aluminum alloy distributor serving the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. The company supplies a comprehensive range of aluminum alloy products for various industries, including aerospace, precision engineering, semiconductors, and more. “SL Metals’ participation in the ACC will support ongoing efforts to drive more sustainable supply chain practices and accelerate material circularity in aviation,” says Emirates.
“Recognizing that industry-wide cooperation is essential to advancing aviation circularity, the ACC continues to unite key stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem together to drive meaningful progress,” adds the airline.
Emirates is the second airline to join the ACC after Qantas and hopes to demonstrate the industry’s growing recognition that circularity is essential to decarbonization. Emirates states that the airline’s experience in sustainable fleet management will play a crucial role in addressing the challenge of safely and responsibly handling end-of-life aircraft.
“Aviation must rethink how materials are used across an aircraft’s lifecycle, from production to retirement,” said Ahmed Safa, Head of Engineering & MRO, Emirates Group. “With the number of retired aircraft continuing to grow, the need for sustainable end-of-life solutions is more urgent than ever. At Emirates, we are identifying new pathways to extend our fleet’s lifespan, and joining the ACC enables us to collaborate on sustainable initiatives that reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and accelerate aviation’s transition to a circular economy.”
Sam Tan Yee Leong, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of SL Metals, added, “Aluminium plays a critical role in aviation, as in many other industries, making responsible sourcing and efficient material use essential. Aluminum production also accounts for 3% of global industrial CO2 emissions, making sustainable practices across the supply chain increasingly important. SL Metals remains committed to improving sustainability within our own operations while supporting broader industry-wide efforts.”
“Through the ACC, we look forward to advancing best practices in aluminum use and supporting initiatives that shape a more resilient and sustainable aviation supply chain,” he added.
Emirates has been involved in various upcycling and recycling programs in recent years, including the transforming of disused leather aircraft seat covers into a range of luggage and other lifestyle items. The airline, along with SL Metals, is joining ACC following the ACC’s milestone launch of its 2050 industry roadmap rolled out in November 2024.