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.

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.

As part of AkzoNobel Aerospace’s ongoing commitment to continuous product and process improvement, the development program focused on optimising application control, film build consistency and finish quality within performance-critical MRO environments.

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 to replace the traditional two-coat approach.

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 is 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

The development of Aerobase to create a single-basecoat application is a result of AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings’ focus has been firmly 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 colors, ensuring immediate relevance for airlines and MRO operators worldwide.

AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings’ technical teams are actively supporting MROs with process development, validation and applicator training to ensure consistent, repeatable results across facilities.

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.

Additional aircraft applications are currently underway with two MROs, covering both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. These applications, combined with the 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.

The product is planned for global rollout throughout 2026.

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.

*Final emissions data to be confirmed.