Estonia’s Magnetic MRO has acquired and successfully torn down a Boeing 737-400 aircraft that had been previously idle for seven years.
In a rare opportunity to procure an entire aircraft, the Estonian MRO operator undertook the complex acquisition and approval process.
Pre-teardown clearances
Before starting any teardown activities, there was a strict customs clearance and auction procedures to follow, which was successfully navigated by Magnetic MRO’s legal and customs teams.
The aircraft’s parts would later be sold to the open market and assemblies also retrofitted into a flight simulator for pilot training. Thanks to the efforts of the Magnetic Group’s Logistics team, shipping challenges were surmounted in a cost-effective manner for the client.
Teardown process
When it came time to tear down the aircraft, the entire process took only four days because of the team’s expertise and choice of tools such as a large wire cutter, making the work clean and fast.
It took a cross-functional approach and nearly every department within the organization executed this project with teams spanning Logistics to legal coming together to get the job done.
“This project was a massive undertaking for us and I am most proud about how the whole organization rallied together to make the entire process go smoothly,” said Jan Kotka, COO at Magnetic Group.
“More than 50+ employees contributed to this first-of-its kind opportunity. This is the Magnetic way — we never shy away from challenges and new experiences.”
The packing and distribution of the aircraft parts continue to take place with hundreds of parts, ranging from small components to bulky items which must be transported by sea, gradually being shipped to customers, including those faced with AOGs.
The stages of an aircraft teardown
Sourcing the aircraft: The first step is to source the aircraft. This can be done through a variety of channels, such as through an aircraft broker, at an auction, or directly from an airline.
Inspecting the aircraft: Once the aircraft has been sourced, it is important to inspect it thoroughly to assess its condition and to identify any potential problems. This inspection should include a visual inspection, as well as a functional test of the aircraft’s systems.
Disassembling the aircraft: Once the aircraft has been inspected, it can be disassembled. This process involves removing all of the aircraft’s components, including the engines, landing gear, avionics, and interior furnishings.
Testing and inspecting the components: Once the aircraft has been disassembled, all of the components must be tested and inspected to ensure that they are in good condition and that they meet the required standards.
This testing may involve a variety of methods, such as visual inspection, functional testing, and destructive testing.
Packaging and shipping the components: Once the components have been tested and inspected, they can be packaged and shipped to their final destination.
The packaging and shipping process must be carefully planned to ensure that the components are protected from damage during transit.
About Magnetic MRO
Magnetic MRO is an aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) company headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. The company was founded in 2004 and has since grown to become one of the leading MRO providers in Europe.
Magnetic MRO offers a wide range of services, including base maintenance, line maintenance, engine maintenance, and component repair. The company is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Magnetic MRO has a team of over 1,000 experienced and qualified engineers and technicians. The company operates a state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Tallinn, Estonia.
The facility is equipped with the latest technology and tools, and it is capable of handling all types of commercial aircraft.
