Xiamen Airlines celebrated the arrival of its first Airbus A320neo with a unique design applied by AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings.
AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings and Xiamen Airlines have celebrated the arrival of the first Airbus A320neo that will be operated by the Chinese company with a unique design specifically applied on the livery of the aircraft using the Aerobase Basecoat/Clearcoat system of the paint manufacturer.
The aircraft was painted at Airbus facility in Hamburg, where the entire A320 jetliner family programme is managed. The Aerobase Basecoat/Clearcoat system had been chosen for its proven ability to maintain brightness in colour and significantly prolong the durability of the decorative paintwork. In addition, the longevity of the livery brand image also reduces the need for maintenance over the life-cycle of the in-service aircraft.
The Aerobase coatings have been selected to protect and enhance not only the first of the new Airbus aircraft to arrive, but also all 40 future deliveries destined for the Xiamen City-based flight operator, which is aiming to further expand its fleet to meet future demand.
Already working with Xiamen for its Boeing airplanes, AkzoNobel had won the new contract in a competitive tender, perfectly matching the striking blue colour scheme of the airline. The first plane features a special message on the right of the front passenger door that states: ‘First Airbus for Xiamenair.’
The operator – which has more than 200 aircraft in its fleet – flies more than 40 million passengers each year, operating around 350 domestic and international routes that cover large parts of southeast and northeast Asia, Europe, the United States of America and Oceania.
“The introduction of the A320neo is a significant milestone for Xiamen and for AkzoNobe as welll. While we had already worked with the team of Xiamen Airlines before, we have never taken anything for granted. We are delighted that the quality and durability of the Aerobase finish is being recognised as a reflection of the quality and reliability of the Airline and of the aircraft it protects,” has commented Nicole Hu, the sales manager for South China of AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings.