Aircraft Solutions USA’s plan to build $100 million aircraft recycling facility in North Carolina now underway - Interim CEO and head of innovations to be announced soon
Daniel Koechler, CEO of Aircraft Solutions receives a plate of commeration from N.C. Governor Roy Cooper at the economic development announcement at the N.C Global TransPark in December. Aircraft Solutions USA Inc will bring 475 jobs to Kinston. Photo by Janet Sutton / Neuse News
Aircraft Solutions USA, Inc., a leading provider of sustainable end-to-end aircraft recycling solutions, announced today that it is moving forward with its plan to build an aircraft recycling facility at North Carolina’s Global TransPark in Kinston. The construction start has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the facility is still slated to be operational by the second quarter of 2021. It will consist of one of the world’s largest hangars which will include dismantling, MRO and painting operations.
“We are making some critical hires, including our interim CEO and our Head of Innovations, and are looking to start construction this summer,” said Sven Daniel Koechler, PhD, General Manager of Aircraft Solutions USA.” The company will initially create 475 jobs and will invest nearly $100 million dollars in the new aircraft recycling center.
“Our state’s aerospace industry is taking off with the Global TransPark as a hub in rural eastern North Carolina,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “From first in flight to first in skilled workers, global companies like Aircraft Solutions USA will find North Carolina to be a great place to grow and thrive.”
Once operational, Aircraft Solutions USA’s Kinston facility will recycle decommissioned commercial and military aircraft deploying a proprietary new recycling technology. This will enable the company to recycle many more aircraft each year than conventional methods enable. “With our proprietary recycling technology, we can recycle many more aircraft per year; for instance, up to 70 additional twin-engine narrow body airliners” said Koechler.
Aircraft parts such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and in-flight entertainment systems can be refurbished and sold on the aircraft parts aftermarket. Aircraft Solutions USA’s ultimate goal is to use every part of the airplane and up-cycle it to make a new product, for example, a new pair of sneakers made from aircraft seating material. The long-term objective is to expand the recycling operation by establishing various production facilities that will create new products for diverse industries from up-cycled materials.
The Aircraft Solutions USA project will bring nearly $958 million to North Carolina’s economy. It is being partially facilitated by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the State’s Economic Investment Committee. Wages will vary depending on job functions but will exceed Lenoir County’s current average wage of $36,766 and reach as high as $47,069.
Aircraft Solutions USA also plans to invest heavily in community and philanthropic projects. It will train its own workforce based on successful German workforce development programs and will offer generous benefits and housing to its employees. Rooted in a zero waste philosophy, the company will be advising the Kinston municipality on how to optimize its recycling program.
