Sabena Engineering’s €50 Million Investment Propels Charleroi to European Leadership in Aircraft Dismantling

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Sabena Engineering Announces Major Investment in Aircraft Recycling Capabilities

Gosselies, Belgium – October 15, 2025 – Sabena Engineering, a subsidiary of the Orizio group, unveiled a significant investment project on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, geared towards diversifying its operations into the dismantling and recycling of aircraft components. The initiative signals a strategic shift for the company, traditionally focused on the maintenance of military aircraft, specifically the F-16 fighter jet.

Investment Details and Future Expansion

The company plans a considerable investment of €50.8 million to establish a robust aircraft dismantling and recycling facility at its gosselies location near Charleroi. This facility is projected to process between 30 and 40 aircraft annually by 2030, recovering and reusing valuable parts in collaboration with the Comet group. The Walloon Region is contributing €18 million toward this endeavor through its Walloon Recovery Plan,underscoring the project’s economic importance.

This project is expected to generate considerable employment opportunities, increasing the workforce from the current 430 employees to an estimated 600 by 2030. A key component of the expansion will be a focus on thorough employee training programs, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of handling the complexities of aircraft dismantling and material recovery.

Strategic Outlook and International Ambitions

Sabena Engineering isn’t confining its vision to Belgium. The company intends to export this innovative model to other regions, with a particular focus on Africa, where it already maintains a presence in Morocco. This reflects a broader strategy to capitalize on the growing global demand for sustainable aviation practices and responsible aircraft lifecycle management.

The proclamation was made during a workshop visit led by three ministers from the Walloon Government, headed by Minister-President Adrien Dolimont. This high-level support demonstrates the regional government’s commitment to bolstering the aerospace sector and promoting environmentally sound industrial practices.

Projected Employment Growth

year	current Employment	Projected Employment
2025	430	430
2030	430	600

Did You Know? The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, including aircraft recycling, due to environmental concerns and resource scarcity.

Pro Tip: Investing in aircraft dismantling and recycling presents both economic and environmental advantages, contributing to a circular economy and reducing reliance on raw materials.

What other innovative approaches do you think could enhance sustainability in the aviation sector? And how can governments further incentivize environmentally responsible aircraft dismantling practices?

The Growing Importance of Aircraft Recycling

Aircraft recycling is becoming increasingly vital as the aviation industry grapples with environmental challenges. Conventional aircraft disposal methods, such as landfilling, pose significant environmental risks. Recycling recovers valuable materials like aluminum,titanium,and steel,reducing the need for virgin resources and minimizing waste. According to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global aircraft fleet is expected to double in size by 2040, making responsible end-of-life management even more critical. IATA

Frequently Asked Questions About Aircraft Recycling

• What is aircraft recycling? Aircraft recycling is the process of dismantling end-of-life aircraft and recovering valuable materials like aluminum, titanium, and steel for reuse.
• Why is aircraft recycling significant? It reduces environmental impact, conserves resources, and promotes a circular economy.
• What materials are typically recovered from aircraft? Primarily aluminum, titanium, steel, and composite materials.
• What challenges are involved in aircraft recycling? Complex dismantling processes, hazardous material handling, and the need for specialized facilities.
• How does Sabena Engineering’s investment contribute to aircraft recycling? It expands capacity for dismantling and recycling, creating jobs, and advancing sustainable aviation practices.

Share your thoughts on this exciting growth in the aviation industry in the comments below!

What are the key technologies Sabena Engineering is integrating to enhance aircraft dismantling efficiency?

The Strategic Investment: A Deep Dive

Sabena Engineering,a leading provider of aircraft maintenance,repair,and overhaul (MRO) services,has committed a substantial €50 million investment to its facility in Charleroi,Belgium. This meaningful financial injection is strategically designed to solidify Charleroi’s position as a premier hub for aircraft dismantling and recycling within Europe. The investment focuses on expanding infrastructure, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and enhancing skilled workforce capabilities – all crucial elements for dominating the aircraft teardown market. This isn’t simply about dismantling planes; it’s about enduring aviation practices and maximizing the lifecycle value of aircraft assets.

Key Components of the €50 Million Plan

The investment is broken down into several key areas, each contributing to the overall goal of European leadership in aircraft dismantling:

* New Dismantling Hangar: Construction of a state-of-the-art, 15,000 square metre hangar specifically designed for efficient and environmentally responsible aircraft dismantling. This will substantially increase capacity.

* Advanced Technology Integration: Implementation of robotic dismantling systems, advanced component tracking software, and improved materials separation technologies. This includes AI-powered inspection systems for quicker, more accurate part assessment.

* Enhanced Component Workshop: Expansion and modernization of the component workshop to facilitate the repair, overhaul, and resale of serviceable aircraft parts. This supports the circular economy within aviation.

* training and Skill Growth: Investment in comprehensive training programs for existing and new employees, focusing on specialized skills in aircraft dismantling, hazardous materials handling, and quality control.

* Sustainability Initiatives: Implementation of advanced waste management systems and pollution control technologies to minimize the environmental impact of the dismantling process.

Why Charleroi? The Strategic Advantages

Charleroi Airport (CRL) offers several strategic advantages that make it an ideal location for aircraft dismantling:

* Strategic Location: Central location within Europe,providing easy access to major air routes and transportation networks.

* Airport Infrastructure: Existing airport infrastructure, including ample space for aircraft storage and dismantling operations.

* Skilled Workforce: A readily available pool of skilled aviation professionals in the region.

* Government Support: Supportive government policies and incentives for sustainable aviation initiatives.

* Proximity to Key Markets: Close proximity to major aircraft leasing companies and MRO providers.

The Growing Aircraft Dismantling Market & Circular Economy

The demand for aircraft dismantling services is steadily increasing,driven by several factors:

* Aging Aircraft Fleets: A growing number of older aircraft are being retired from service due to age and economic factors.

* New Aircraft Technologies: The introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft is accelerating the retirement of older models.

* Sustainable Aviation Practices: Increasing emphasis on sustainable aviation practices and the circular economy,promoting the reuse and recycling of aircraft components.

* Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain disruptions are increasing the demand for used aircraft parts.

This growth fuels the need for specialized facilities like the one Sabena Engineering is developing in Charleroi. The focus on component harvesting and resale directly supports the circular economy, reducing waste and lowering costs for airlines.

Sabena Engineering’s Expertise: A Proven Track Record

Sabena Engineering has a long-standing reputation for excellence in aircraft maintenance and engineering. Their expertise in aircraft teardown and component management is a key differentiator. They already possess:

* EASA part-145 Approval: Demonstrating compliance wiht European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards for maintenance organizations.

* Extensive Component Inventory: A large inventory of used aircraft parts, catering to a wide range of aircraft types.

* Global Customer Base: A well-established customer base of airlines, MRO providers, and aircraft leasing companies worldwide.

* Dedicated Teardown Teams: Highly trained and experienced teams specializing in aircraft dismantling and component recovery.

Environmental Considerations & Regulatory Compliance

Aircraft dismantling involves handling hazardous materials, such as aviation fuel, oils, and chemicals. Sabena Engineering is committed to adhering to the highest environmental standards and complying with all relevant regulations. This includes:

* Waste Management: Implementing comprehensive waste management systems to properly dispose of hazardous materials.

* Pollution control: Utilizing advanced pollution control technologies to minimize emissions and protect the environment.

* Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring full compliance with all applicable environmental regulations, including REACH and RoHS.

* Sustainable Practices: Prioritizing sustainable practices throughout the dismantling process, such as water conservation and energy efficiency.

The Impact on the Belgian Economy & job Creation

The €50 million investment is expected to have a significant positive impact on the Belgian economy, especially in the Charleroi region. This includes:

* Job Creation: Creation of approximately 200 new high-skilled jobs in aircraft dismantling, engineering, and related fields.

* Economic Growth: Stimulation of economic