MAAS Aviation Extends Aircraft Painting Contract with Airbus in Mobile Alabama

MAAS Aviation Extends Aircraft Painting Contract with Airbus in Mobile, Alabama

The aviation manufacturing sector relies on a complex network of specialized service providers to ensure quality and efficiency in aircraft production. Among these, MAAS Aviation stands out as a globally recognized expert in aircraft painting and exterior coatings. The company’s longstanding partnership with Airbus, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, has yielded significant operational milestones and set benchmarks for industry collaboration.

Recently, MAAS Aviation announced a five-year contract extension with Airbus for the painting of A320 Family and A220 aircraft at its facility in Mobile, Alabama. This development not only underscores the trust between the two companies but also highlights the critical importance of specialized finishing services in the aerospace value chain. The expansion and continued success of the Mobile facility reflect broader trends in U.S. aircraft manufacturing and the ongoing demand for high-quality, customized aircraft exteriors.

This article explores the significance of the MAAS-Airbus partnership, the operational growth at the Mobile site, and the broader implications for the aviation industry. Drawing on official statements, facility data, and expert opinions, we break down the facts behind this contract extension and its impact on both companies and the region.

Expanding Operations: The Mobile Facility’s Growth Trajectory

Since its inception in 2015, MAAS Aviation’s Mobile, Alabama, facility has played a pivotal role in supporting Airbus’s U.S. manufacturing ambitions. Originally launched with a workforce of just 20 employees, the site was strategically located alongside the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility to provide dedicated painting services for newly assembled aircraft. The partnership model adopted here, where a specialized provider operates an on-site facility exclusively for an OEMs, has proven effective for maintaining high standards and streamlined production schedules.

The facility has undergone significant expansion in response to increasing demand. In 2017, two additional paint shops were added, and a further two were brought online in 2025, bringing the total to five dedicated paint bays. This expansion has enabled the facility to increase its annual painting capacity to up to 200 aircraft, supporting Airbus’s production ramp-up for its single-aisle programs in the United States. To date, over 600 aircraft have been painted at the Mobile facility, a testament to the sustained growth and operational excellence achieved since the partnership began.

Employment at the site has also grown in tandem with its operational footprint. From its modest beginnings, the facility now employs nearly 100 people, with projections to surpass 150 staff members within the next three years. This growth not only benefits MAAS Aviation and Airbus but also contributes to the broader economic development of the Mobile region by creating high-skill jobs and supporting ancillary services.

Facility Capabilities and Industry Impact

The Mobile facility’s five paint bays are designed to accommodate the rigorous demands of modern aircraft production. Each bay is equipped to handle the complex requirements of both the A320 Family and A220 models, ensuring that every aircraft meets Airbus’s exacting OEM standards. The ability to deliver high-quality exterior finishes on schedule is critical, as it directly impacts final Delivery timelines and customer satisfaction.

MAAS Aviation’s expertise is not confined to Mobile. Its European operations, particularly the Hamburg facility, have also achieved significant milestones. In 2024, the Hamburg site celebrated the painting of its 1,000th Airbus aircraft, further solidifying MAAS Aviation’s reputation as a leader in the field. The transfer of best practices and technical know-how between the European and U.S. operations has been a key factor in maintaining consistent quality and operational efficiency across both continents.

By focusing on specialized services and continuous improvement, MAAS Aviation supports Airbus’s broader strategy of increasing production rates and meeting the diverse customization needs of airline customers. The Partnerships demonstrates how dedicated facilities and long-term collaboration can drive success in the highly competitive aerospace sector.

“Our team in Mobile sets superlative standards in aircraft painting. This underpins our enduring relationship as a trusted partner to Airbus.”, Geoff Myrick, Executive Vice President OEM, MAAS Aviation

Strategic Partnership: Foundations and Future Outlook

The MAAS-Airbus relationship is rooted in a shared commitment to quality and operational excellence. MAAS Aviation was first entrusted by Airbus to design, build, and operate an OEM paint shop in Hamburg in 2011. This trust was instrumental in the subsequent expansion to the United States, where the Mobile facility was established to mirror the success of its European counterpart.

According to Tim Macdougald, Chief Business Development Officer at MAAS Aviation, “Airbus placed their trust in us to design, build and operate our first OEM paint shop in Hamburg, Germany, back in 2011. We acknowledge the support Airbus has given us and are proud that the quality of our work has enabled this relationship to flourish and grow.”

Beyond the technical and operational aspects, the partnership has also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Danny Hakker, CEO of MAAS Aviation, highlighted the skill and dedication of the Mobile team, stating, “Whether they are tackling challenging and exciting multi-coloured liveries or achieving white perfection – they have built a reputation for being the best in the industry.” This focus on craftsmanship and exceeding expectations has been central to the partnership’s longevity and success.

Implications for U.S. Aircraft Manufacturing

The expansion of MAAS Aviation’s operations in Mobile aligns with broader trends in U.S. aircraft manufacturing. As Airbus continues to ramp up production of its single-aisle aircraft in the United States, the need for reliable, high-capacity finishing services becomes even more critical. The Mobile facility’s ability to meet these demands supports Airbus’s strategic objective of increasing its market share in North-America and delivering aircraft to U.S.-based customers more efficiently.

Moreover, the partnership serves as a model for how OEMs and specialized service providers can collaborate to achieve mutual goals. By investing in dedicated infrastructure and fostering long-term relationships, companies like Airbus and MAAS Aviation can better navigate the complexities of global supply chains and respond to shifting market demands.

The economic impact on the local community should not be overlooked. The creation of high-quality jobs and the ongoing Investments in facility expansion contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in the region, supporting both the aerospace sector and the local economy.

“To achieve OEM standards every time an aircraft leaves our hangar, requires true craftsmanship and a desire to go beyond expectations.”, Danny Hakker, CEO, MAAS Aviation

Conclusion: Sustaining Excellence in Aircraft Finishing

The contract extension between MAAS Aviation and Airbus for aircraft painting services in Mobile, Alabama, represents more than just a business agreement. It is a reflection of the trust, expertise, and collaborative spirit that underpin successful partnerships in the aerospace industry. The continued growth of the Mobile facility, both in capacity and workforce, underscores the ongoing demand for high-quality, customized aircraft exteriors as Airbus ramps up its U.S. production.

Looking ahead, the partnership is well-positioned to adapt to future challenges and opportunities, including evolving customer preferences and technological advancements in aircraft finishing. As both companies continue to invest in operational excellence and innovation, their collaboration will likely remain a benchmark for industry best practices in the years to come.

FAQ

What aircraft models are painted at the MAAS Aviation facility in Mobile?
The facility paints Airbus A320 Family and A220 aircraft.

How many aircraft can the Mobile facility paint annually?
With five paint bays, the facility has a capacity of up to 200 aircraft per year.

How many people are employed at the Mobile site?
Nearly 100 people are currently employed, with projections to exceed 150 in the next three years.

When did MAAS Aviation first partner with Airbus?
The partnership began in 2011 with the opening of an OEM paint shop in Hamburg, Germany.

What is the significance of the latest contract extension?
The five-year extension supports Airbus’s planned production ramp-up and demonstrates the strength of the partnership.

Sources: MAAS Aviation