Here’s a video report from The International Herald Tribune on the recycling and dismantling process of airplanes that are taken out of service because of old age. Most aircraft have a lifespan of about 30 years before they are put out of commission and this particular aircraft recycling center in France is seeing a large influx of planes coming into their yard whose service began back in the 1970′s.

While recycling old planes usually mean that companies are buying newer and more efficient aircraft, the report cites current economic hardships as the reason behind why some companies are choosing to hold back recycling for now in order to push their aircraft lifespans to 40 years. This certainly can’t be a good thing for the environment or for passengers.