Aeronautics & Aerospace

The aeronautics and aerospace sector used asbestos extensively due to the extreme thermal and fire protection demands inherent to aviation and space operations. Aircraft hangars required fire-resistant construction to protect against fuel fires and explosions. Air bases incorporated asbestos in virtually every building type to meet stringent military fire safety standards. Control centres relied on asbestos for both fire protection and acoustic insulation in sensitive electronic environments. Launch platforms and rocket test facilities used asbestos in its most demanding applications — as heat shields, flame deflectors, and thermal barriers capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Celsius.

Managing asbestos in aeronautics and aerospace facilities presents unique challenges related to security, operational continuity, and the specialised nature of these environments. Many facilities operate under military or restricted access protocols, limiting the availability of survey windows and requiring security-cleared asbestos professionals. The critical mission of air traffic control and launch operations means that remediation work must be meticulously planned around operational schedules, often requiring temporary relocation of functions or phased approaches that extend project timelines.

The legacy of asbestos in this sector is compounded by the historical culture of military and aviation operations, where asbestos exposure was often poorly documented or considered an acceptable occupational risk. Many veterans and civilian workers from air bases and aerospace facilities are now presenting with asbestos-related diseases decades after exposure. As ageing hangars, control towers, and base buildings undergo modernisation or decommissioning, comprehensive asbestos management programmes are essential to protect current workers and prevent further environmental contamination of these often-expansive sites.