India Eyes Development of Aircraft Boneyards, But Challenges Remain

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has revealed promising findings in a preliminary assessment of potential locations for aircraft boneyards across the country.

These specialized facilities could provide a designated space for storing, dismantling, and recycling decommissioned aircraft, offering both environmental and economic advantages.

What are Aircraft Boneyards?​

Aircraft boneyards, sometimes referred to as "graveyards," serve as controlled environments for managing the end-of-life process of airplanes. They play a crucial role in:

• Environmental Sustainability: Boneyards enable the careful dismantling and recycling of aircraft parts, reducing environmental impact compared to haphazard scrapping practices.
• Economic Growth: The salvaged parts can be repurposed, creating a new industry for their sale and generating both revenue and employment opportunities.
• Airport Optimization: Removing retired aircraft from active airports frees up valuable space for operational planes, enhancing efficiency.

Why India Needs Boneyards​

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for low-cost aircraft parking solutions in India. Additionally, the grounding of Go First's fleet due to bankruptcy has emphasized the potential benefits of dedicated storage facilities. Currently, India only has one boneyard, specifically for defense aircraft in Allahabad.

The global aviation industry already utilizes boneyards extensively. The US, in particular, boasts several large facilities, including the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, which houses over 4,000 aircraft.

Roadblocks and Potential Solutions​

Despite the potential benefits, the establishment of aircraft boneyards in India faces challenges:

• Commercial Viability: Most Indian airlines lease aircraft rather than own them, raising questions about the financial feasibility of boneyards.
• Regulatory Framework: Clear guidelines and certifications would be needed for the safe and responsible handling of aircraft parts.
• Infrastructure Investment: Developing and maintaining boneyards requires significant financial investment.

To overcome these challenges, experts suggest focusing on the development of parking boneyards away from congested airports as a first step. This could alleviate space constraints at airports and lower parking costs for airlines.

Looking Ahead​

The future of aircraft boneyards in India hinges on several factors, including commercial interest from private entities, the policies of the new government, and the overall growth trajectory of the aviation sector.

If successful, these facilities could mark a significant step forward for India's aviation industry, promoting sustainability, economic growth, and operational efficiency.

 

[Kira]

Don't know about boneyard,but all Indian PSUs can certainly build a massive graveyard 🪦 consisting of countless number of failed projects and resources!!