The global carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) market volume grew in 2020 by 23 % to 147.5 kt. The recycling of energy-intensive carbon fibres is an urgent necessity against the background of sustainability. Possible recycling routes for lightweight CFRP components are presented in this article. Using a case study of an aero engine CFRP drive shaft for the Rolls-Royce UltraFan® with a power gearbox, technical requirements and criteria for potential recycling process routes are derived. The pyrolysis and solvolysis processes are two preferred recycling routes, selected based on their applicability and the expected outcome of recycling the shaft into reusable carbon fibres for the next high-tech lightweight product. Finally, design modifications to the drive shaft are proposed to enable a recycling process with improved recycled fibre quality.