Webinar Recap: Strengthening Aviation Supply Chains Through Circularity
In March 2025, the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), in collaboration with Kennedys Law, hosted an expert roundtable titled “Strengthening Aviation Supply Chains Through Circularity”. The session brought together expert speakers to examine how circularity can enable aviation stakeholders to navigate regulatory shifts while strengthening supply chain resilience and sustainability.
The panel featured Karina Cady, CEO of Nandina REM, who spoke as a representative of the ACC; Simon Waite, Senior Expert for Materials, Certification Directorate at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); and Hisham Salah, Vice President of Materials Management and Supplier Support at Emirates. Moderated by Tristan Thompson, Partner, Kennedys Legal Solutions, the discussion explored the practical integration of circular materials into aviation supply chains, particularly in light of persistent geopolitical tensions, material volatility, and regulatory developments like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Reframing Circularity: Viable, Valuable, and Already in Motion
Key Takeaways:
Circular materials that meet required specifications can be accepted as part of a certified product design. This clarification by Simon during the session cuts through a common misconception in the industry and reinforces that circularity is not only viable, but also permissible within aviation’s stringent safety and certification frameworks.
Manufacturers across Asia are facing a convergence of pressures, stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 recovery and material shortages, to uncertainty around regulatory obligations such as the CBAM. Karina emphasised that circularity offers a practical and immediate solution that strengthens supply chain visibility, improves material availability, and supports compliance with decarbonisation targets.
Airlines are increasingly seeking practical, innovative ways to manage end-of-life aircraft sustainably, diverting waste from landfills and finding new value in retired materials. Hisham highlighted how Emirates is already upcycling fabrics, leathers, aluminium, and composite panels from retired aircraft, reinforcing the business case for circularity beyond regulatory compliance.
Circularity is No Longer Just a Sustainability Imperative
Circularity is a strategic lever for securing aviation’s future. The ACC is committed to building momentum around this transition by bringing together key voices across the industry to surface shared challenges, align on priorities, and accelerate the adoption of circular practices.
This commitment was further strengthened last month, as we officially welcomed Emirates and SL Metals to our growing initiative to advance aviation circularity. This expansion reflects our continued growth and reinforces growing industry alignment around the role of circularity in decarbonisation.
We thank all speakers and attendees for their participation and look forward to continuing these important conversations. For more on the ACC’s work or to express interest in joining the initiative, please get in touch at team@aviationcircularity.com.
