3 Dec 2024
Since its establishment in 1932, AJW Group has grown from a small aviation business in South England into a global leader in the MRO sector, supporting commercial, business, and defence aviation. While the company’s success is built on engineering excellence, operational reliability, and a broad range of service offerings, its modern identity is shaped by a deep commitment to improving sustainability and responsible business practices for the long-term health of the aviation industry.
Speaking to Aviation Business News, Clyde Buntrock, CEO of AJW Aviation and AJW Technique delves into the company’s sustainability activities and future plans.
How is AJW Group focusing on sustainability?
Buntrock emphasises that sustainability is not only about selecting the right products but also about ensuring that the entire process, from manufacturing to disposal, is more environmentally responsible.
He expands, sharing that “A key initiative driving this commitment is the introduction of products and practices that are less environmentally damaging across AJW’s supply chain. For instance, in its global warehouses, the company has replaced conventional packaging materials with less environmentally damaging alternatives such as biodegradable tape and recyclable packaging.”
“These measures may seem small, but they are part of a larger, strategic approach to reducing waste and minimising the company’s overall environmental footprint,” he adds.
How does the company integrate environmental awareness in its MRO facilities?
“AJW Group’s MRO facilities, located in Montreal, Canada, and Slinfold, UK, play a central role in its sustainability strategy,” replies Buntrock.
In addition to implementing sustainable cleaning practices to reduce our ecological impact, the business is exploring new materials that have a lower environmental impact across its MRO operations. This includes the recycling and repurposing of components where possible and selecting chemicals and materials that are less harmful to the environment but still meet the stringent safety and performance requirements set by OEMs, he states.
“This not only contributes to a healthier environment but also supports our commitment to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and its principles around environmental responsibility.”
Does renewable energy play a part in the company’s sustainability strategy?
“The company has made significant investments in renewable energy across its global operations,” says the AJW Group CEO.
He explains that AJW’s headquarters is equipped with rainwater harvesting systems and over 2,500 solar panels, expected to generate nearly 800,000 kWh of renewable energy annually. The AJW Technique battery MRO facility benefits from this renewable energy source, as aircraft batteries entering the facility are predominantly recharged using renewable solar energy.
“The integration of renewable energy into day-to-day operations not only enhances the company’s energy efficiency but also aligns with the growing demand for more environmentally responsible aviation solutions,” states Buntrock.
As the aviation industry adapts to the growing demand for increased sustainability, MRO providers like AJW are finding that their customers are increasingly seeking less environmentally damaging solutions. Airlines and operators, under pressure to meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations, are looking for partners who can help them achieve their sustainability goals.
Buntrock agrees, adding that AJW’s ability to offer cost-effective and less environmentally damaging MRO services not only benefits the environment but also helps customers reduce their operational costs. This alignment between sustainability and cost-efficiency is a key factor driving AJW’s success in today’s market.
For AJW Group, sustainability is not just about reducing emissions or using less environmentally damaging products—it is a holistic approach that spreads across the global operations of the business. AJW is committed to operating in a way that reduces its environmental impact while maximising its contribution to the long-term health of the aviation industry.
As the aviation industry moves towards the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, AJW Group is well-positioned to play its part by reducing its own emissions. Through continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on increasing sustainability, the company is striving to shape a greener, more responsible future for aviation, concludes Buntrock.