One of the EU’s priorities is to advance the design, production and field operation of multifunctional and intelligent airframe and engine parts. New technologies emerging because of advances in European research and innovation can help meet this goal. However, key obstacles surrounding the entire aircraft component value chain will need to be overcome first. Tackling these challenges, the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project SUSTAINair project aims to address each stage of the component value chain by developing and introducing novel concepts and techniques that will shape design, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, overhaul and recycling processes for lightweight, multifunctional and intelligent airframe and engine parts. SUSTAINair applies circular economy principles to the design, manufacturing, operations, and end-of-life phases of aircraft. SUSTAINair is researching and developing solutions to increase resource efficiency and aircraft performance while cutting down on waste and material costs throughout the aircraft life cycle, what is known as circular aviation. The central approach of SUSTAINair is to substantially increase the sustainability of the airframe value chain by achieving a paradigm shift in aircraft manufacturing. As such, the project has been endorsed by the Future Sky flagship program of EREA - Association of European Research Establishments in Aeronautics. SUSTAINair brings together 11 European research and industry partners, and is coordinated by the Austrian Institute of Technology - Light Metals Competence Centre AIT-LKR.