The launch builds on AkzoNobel’s ongoing commitment to innovation in learning and professional development.
AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has unveiled its new AS7489-certified training programme at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) event in Las Vegas (USA), marking a major step forward in professionalising aerospace coatings application and promoting global industry standards.
Developed under the company’s Aerofleet Training+ offering, the programme fully complies with SAE International’s AS7489 standard — the globally recognised framework for the training and qualification of Aerospace Organic Coatings Applicators.
While certification schemes have long existed for mechanical, structural, and safety disciplines, the introduction of AS7489 filled a longstanding gap by establishing a universal benchmark for coatings. AkzoNobel’s new programme directly addresses this need, improving access to professional training across the global aerospace sector.
Structured in five progressive levels, the training covers both theoretical and practical aspects. Beginning with fundamental knowledge (Level 1), the programme advances through practical assessments (Levels 2, 3 and 4) to test hands-on skills and understanding, culminating in Level 5, which provides in-depth specialisation for expert applicators.
AkzoNobel’s training centre in Troy, Michigan, has already received approval, and the company’s first cohort of Technical Service Representatives have been certified to deliver AS7489-accredited training to customers. Plans are also underway to establish additional certified training centres and Technical Service teams in Europe to support the wider rollout.
“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. We’re enabling professionals to achieve globally recognised 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,” has stated Michael Green, Business Services Manager at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings
Supporting the rollout is AkzoNobel’s bespoke online training and certification platform, designed to give applicators, assessors, and employers full visibility of training progress and qualification status. Participants can submit their work, track their learning journey, and maintain digital records of their certifications. Independent assessors will use the platform to review and grade submissions objectively against the AS7489 standard. Employers will also be able to monitor employee progress, identify development needs, and verify candidate credentials during recruitment.
“We’re supporting meaningful qualifications that raise the standard across the industry. 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 recognised professional standards,” has added Michael Green.