Avianca El Salvador Partners with Avian Craft for Pioneering A380 Upcycling Project
San Salvador, El Salvador – March 17, 2025 — In a forward-thinking move aimed at advancing sustainability in aviation, Avianca El Salvador (formerly known as TACA Airlines) has entered a transformative partnership with Avian Craft Recycling Company. This collaboration will see the airline’s retired Airbus A380 aircraft given a second life, with parts being repurposed into a range of sustainable products, making it one of the largest upcycling projects of its kind in Latin America.
The deal represents a significant step toward integrating environmental consciousness into the airline’s operational practices, showcasing how aviation can evolve with a greater focus on sustainability.
The Airbus A380, once a long-haul travel giant, is becoming increasingly obsolete in modern fleets. Rather than allowing these massive aircraft to simply be scrapped, Avianca El Salvador has opted for an environmentally responsible alternative.
“By working with Avian Craft Recycling Company, we are ensuring that the story of our Airbus A380s doesn’t end in a landfill, but instead lives on through creative repurposing,” the Chairman continued. “This collaboration goes beyond a business contract—it reflects our commitment to protecting the environment, embracing innovation, and taking responsibility for our global impact.”
Transforming Airplanes into Artifacts: The Upcycling Journey
The partnership will kick off in Q4 2025, starting with the dismantling of the first A380. This will mark the beginning of a remarkable process where every part of the aircraft—be it metal, leather, or even interior components—will be repurposed. The materials will be used to create everything from exclusive aviation memorabilia to custom-made furniture, industrial-grade items, and sustainable design products.
The process will be carried out at Avian Craft’s cutting-edge recycling center, where advanced techniques will be utilized to minimize waste and maximize the reuse of materials. The goal is to ensure that each aircraft part is transformed into something useful and environmentally friendly.
“We’re honored to be partnering with Avianca El Salvador on this groundbreaking project,” said Robert Erik Schmich, President of Avian Craft Recycling Company.
“At Avian Craft, we see every aircraft as a vessel of history, and we’re passionate about ensuring that their legacy continues. Through thoughtful upcycling, we turn waste into something valuable and sustainable.”
By reducing waste and reimagining aircraft components, this initiative will not only help lower the environmental impact of decommissioned planes but also generate new business opportunities, creating jobs and producing eco-conscious products for consumers worldwide.
“This partnership is a model for how sustainability can be incorporated into the aviation industry,” Schmich continued. “We’re proud to collaborate with an airline that shares our values of innovation and environmental responsibility. Together, we’ll transform these remarkable planes into enduring, meaningful products for future generations.”
Positioning Avianca El Salvador as a Sustainability Leader
Avianca El Salvador’s upcycling project is a strategic response to the growing global demand for sustainable business practices in the aviation industry. As more airlines are pressed to meet environmental goals, this partnership sets the stage for the airline to lead in terms of responsible fleet management and environmental impact.
Both Avianca El Salvador and Avian Craft have emphasized that this initiative is just the first step in a broader, long-term strategy aimed at further reducing carbon emissions and building a circular economy for aviation.
“This collaboration proves that aviation and sustainability don’t have to be separate concepts,” concluded the Chairman of Avianca El Salvador. “Together, we’re demonstrating that the aviation industry can contribute to a greener future while continuing to evolve.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Avianca El Salvador?
With the first A380 scheduled to be dismantled by the end of 2025, this project is expected to set the standard for sustainable aircraft disposal worldwide. Avianca El Salvador’s decision to repurpose retired aircraft demonstrates its leadership in aviation sustainability, offering a forward-thinking blueprint that other airlines may soon follow.
This collaboration with Avian Craft represents more than just a new chapter in Avianca El Salvador’s operations—it’s a bold step toward ensuring that the airline’s environmental impact is significantly reduced while continuing to innovate in the aviation sector.
Stay tuned for updates on how this exciting project unfolds and how Avianca El Salvador is making strides toward a greener, more sustainable aviation industry.
For further details, check out the full article on World Grey News here.