AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings introduces single‑coat Aerobase solution for MRO paint facilities
Enhanced single‑coat formulation to improve efficiency, consistency and throughput across mixed fleets
AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has introduced a new single‑coat Aerobase basecoat solution designed to help MRO paint facilities improve performance efficiency and operational throughput. By replacing traditional two‑coat application processes with a validated single‑coat system, the improved Aerobase formulation will reduce application time, process complexity and total film thickness while delivering a high‑quality, consistent finish across mixed fleets of commercial aircraft.
Developed specifically for the global MRO mixed fleet market, the product is certified for immediate use worldwide, enabling paint facilities to adopt the single‑coat process and begin realising throughput and quality benefits without delay.
As part of AkzoNobel Aerospace’s ongoing commitment to continuous product and process improvement, the development programme focused on optimising application control film build consistency and finish quality within performance‑critical MRO environments. This commitment reflects the broader industry demand for robust and efficient aircraft coatings that support maintenance schedules and fleet readiness.
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The enhanced formulation delivers significantly improved sag resistance with approximately a 40% increase compared to the original system. When combined with a cross‑coat application process, it enables a single‑coat application, achieving the required hiding power and surface finish needed to replace the traditional two‑coat approach while maintaining high‑quality results.
Field testing conducted in 2025 on a single‑aisle aircraft demonstrated a 36% reduction in total film thickness compared to a previously applied two‑coat system. The reduction was achieved without compromising durability or appearance, supporting both productivity and finish quality. Alongside the improved finish consistency and surface quality, the reduction in film thickness will contribute to lower operating weight, reduced fuel burn and associated CO2 emissions for airlines once final emissions data is confirmed.
The development of Aerobase to create a single‑basecoat application is a result of AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings’ focus on addressing real operational pressures faced by paint facilities, explains Aurore Bournazel, Segment Manager OEM MRO & Airlines:
“MROs are under constant pressure to improve efficiency without compromising quality. This latest Aerobase development enables a validated single‑coat process that simplifies application, improves consistency and delivers measurable performance benefits. By reducing total film thickness, it also supports airlines’ efforts to lower aircraft weight, helping to reduce operating costs and associated CO2 emissions. It’s a practical solution designed to help paint facilities do more with less – today.”
The enhanced Aerobase single‑coat solution will be available in the most commonly used aerospace white colours, ensuring immediate relevance and compatibility for airlines and MRO operators worldwide and supporting rapid deployment in operational paint facilities.
AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings’ technical teams are actively supporting MROs with process development validation and applicator training to ensure consistent repeatable results across facilities. This technical support underlines the company’s commitment to service excellence and long‑term customer success.
The product is certified for global use within the MRO mixed fleet market, enabling immediate deployment in operational paint facilities and OEM testing and approval is set to follow as part of ongoing qualification activity.
Additional aircraft applications are currently underway with two MROs covering both single‑aisle and wide‑body aircraft. These applications, combined with last year’s test, will provide robust real‑world performance data which will support airlines and MROs make informed decisions when evaluating efficiency weight reduction and finish quality for their fleets. The product is planned for global rollout throughout 2026, offering a clear pathway to broader adoption across the aerospace maintenance sector.
Attendees of MRO Middle East 2026 can visit the AkzoNobel team at Booth 1620 to find out more about the new single‑coat Aerobase basecoat solution and how it can enhance MRO paint facility operations.
