New Aerobase formulation cuts application time and film thickness while maintaining finish quality across mixed fleets.
AkzoNobel
Aerospace Coatings has introduced a new single-coat Aerobase basecoat solution aimed at improving efficiency, consistency and operational throughput in MRO paint facilities. Announced on 3 February 2026, the enhanced formulation is designed to replace traditional two-coat application processes with a validated single-coat system.
The new Aerobase solution reduces 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 worldwide use, allowing paint facilities to adopt the single-coat process 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 in performance-critical MRO environments.
The enhanced formulation delivers significantly improved sag resistance, with an increase of approximately 40% compared with the original system. When combined with a cross-coat application process, this improvement enables a true single-coat application that achieves the required hiding power and surface finish, replacing the traditional two-coat approach.
Field testing carried out in 2025 on a single-aisle aircraft demonstrated a 36% reduction in total film thickness compared with a previously applied two-coat system. This reduction was achieved without compromising durability or appearance. In addition to improved finish consistency and surface quality, the lower film thickness contributes to reduced aircraft operating weight, lower fuel burn and associated CO2
emissions for 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,” has stated Aurore Bournazel, Segment Manager OEM, MRO & Airlines.
The enhanced single-coat Aerobase solution will initially be available in the most commonly used aerospace white colours, 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 and repeatable results across facilities. While the product is already certified for global use within the MRO mixed-fleet market, OEM testing and approval are scheduled to follow.
Additional aircraft applications are currently under way with two MROs, covering both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. These trials, together with last year’s testing, will generate robust real-world performance data to support informed decision-making on efficiency, weight reduction and finish quality. The product is planned for global rollout throughout 2026. Visitors to MRO Middle East 2026 can meet the AkzoNobel team at Booth 1620 to learn more about the new single-coat Aerobase basecoat solution.