China's first aircraft dismantling and recycling project is now underway at the Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre (ALSC) in Chengdu, a major aviation hub in southwest China's Sichuan Province, offering a new model of green circular economy in the aviation sector.
In the hangar of the service center, the initial dismantling work of a retired A330-200 wide-body aircraft has already been conducted through a collaboration between ALSC, Airbus China and Hengrui Corporation (HRC).
"We may divide the aircraft into different zones in the future, and our workers will dismantle components of the aircraft based on these different zones. The dismantling work for components in cabin and cockpit is expected to take around two months. Subsequently, we will carry out the de-decoration and cutting processes of the aircraft," explained Zhu Zixiang, a dismantling engineer at ALSC.
According to the staff there, the disassembled aircraft components will be reused in the aviation sector to cut operating expenses and minimized aircraft impact on the ecological environment. At present, around 60 to 70 percent of each aircraft’s components could be safely and effectively reused, recovered or recycled.
"Our goal for the first aircraft is to achieve a recycling rate of around 90 percent. Wide-body aircraft pose a greater challenge for recycling compared to narrow-body aircraft due to many composite materials in their fuselage, which are hard to be recycled and reused," said Yang Shudong, Business Development Director of ALSC. The project adopts innovative technologies from domestic enterprises to achieve efficient decomposition and reuse of carbon fiber composite materials, according to Wang Yongzhi, director from Hengrui Corporation, an innovative high-tech enterprise specialized in composite product developing and manufacturing,
"Composite materials have always been a problem that has remained unresolved globally. Because of our unique technology, we can break down carbon fiber composite materials, reclaim the carbon fiber, and then repurpose it. It is estimated that such a recovery rate may reach over 90 percent or even more than 95 percent," explained Wang.
China's first aircraft dismantling, recycling project underway in Sichuan
China's first aircraft dismantling, recycling project underway in Sichuan
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
