AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings is using the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) event in Las Vegas to launch its AS7489-certified training program, created to advance the adoption of the globally recognized standard in aerospace coatings application and raise professional standards. 

Developed as part of AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings’ Aerofleet Training+ offering, the program is fully compliant with SAE International’s AS7489 standard, a globally recognized framework for the training and qualification of Aerospace Organic Coatings Applicators. 

While certifications have long existed for mechanical, structural, and safety disciplines, there was no universal benchmark for coatings until the introduction of AS7489. AkzoNobel’s program directly addresses this gap by improving access to professional training for the global aerospace industry. 

AkzoNobel’s AS7489 training is structured across five progressive levels, in accordance with the AS7489 technical standard and approved for delivery by SAE International. The courses go from theoretical fundamentals (Level 1) to advanced, practical assessments (Levels 2, 3 and 4) that test hands-on skills and understanding, to Level 5 which provides in-depth specialization for expert applicators. 

AkzoNobel’s training centre in Troy, Michigan, has been approved and AkzoNobel’s first cohort of Technical Service Representatives have been certified to deliver AS7489-certified training to customers. AkzoNobel plans to establish and certify additional training centres and Technical Service teams to support the future rollout of AS7489 training across Europe. 

The launch of AS7489-certified training builds on AkzoNobel’s long-standing commitment to innovation in learning and development. 

“For years, we’ve helped applicators understand and use our coatings effectively, and we will continue to do so but the introduction of the AS7489 program takes our customer training to a step further,” says Michael Green, Business Services Manager at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings. “We’re enabling professionals to achieve globally recognized credentials that raise the bar for skill, safety, and quality across the industry, and we’re supporting our customers in the MRO and aftermarket. With visible, tangible proof of staff competence and professionalism, our customers will be able to demonstrate both compliance and a high level of service quality, helping them to stand out in an increasingly competitive market 

Supporting the rollout of the new program is AkzoNobel’s bespoke online training and certification platform, which gives applicators, assessors, and employers full visibility of training progress and qualification status. 

Through the online training platform, participants can submit their work, track their learning journey, and store digital records of their certifications. Independent assessors will use the system to review and grade submissions, ensuring objective evaluation against the AS7489 standard. Employers will be able to monitor employee progress, identify development needs and, when recruiting, verify the credentials of candidates. 

“We’re supporting meaningful qualifications that raise the standard across the industry,” adds Michael, “and our digital platform makes professional training measurable, portable, and transparent. Not only will our AS7489 training help individuals advance their careers, and contribute to workforce development, but it will also help businesses attract, retain, and invest in skilled applicators by demonstrating their commitment to recognized professional standards.”