French Firm Trains Hong Kong's First Aircraft "Dismantlers"

A French company has started training technicians for Hong Kong's first aircraft disassembly business. The move is a key step toward launching a new industry for the city. The Elior Group, part of France's Derichebourg Group, wants to open a facility to take apart old planes. This process, called aircraft dismantling or "teardown," involves recycling valuable parts and materials. However, the company says government support is needed to succeed. It has asked for measures like tax breaks. Elior also needs to secure a large piece of land for the operation. The planned site would handle the full process: taking planes apart, storing parts, processing materials, and recycling. The group expressed optimism it could secure the necessary land by the third quarter of next year. If established, this business would create a new local industry around managing end-of-life aircraft.