MAAS Aviation Renews easyJet Fleet Painting Contract with Lightweight Paint

This article is based on an official press release from MAAS Aviation.

MAAS Aviation, a global specialist in aircraft painting and exterior coatings, has officially announced the renewal of its multi-year partnership with European low-cost carrier easyJet. According to a statement released on December 9, 2025, the agreement secures MAAS Aviation as the designated partner for repainting easyJet’s entire Airbus A320 family fleet. The contract, which takes effect with the 2025/2026 painting season, underscores a deepening operational alignment between the two companies that began in 2020.

The renewal highlights a significant shift toward sustainability in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations. Beyond standard livery application, the partnership focuses on the fleet-wide rollout of a new lightweight paint technology designed to reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions. All work is scheduled to take place at MAAS Aviation’s specialized facility at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) in the Netherlands.

Scope of the Agreement and Operational Capabilities

Under the terms of the renewed contract, MAAS Aviation will handle the repainting of easyJet’s A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. The company stated that operations will be consolidated at their Maastricht facility, which features twin-bay paint shops capable of accommodating aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 767. These facilities are equipped with computerized building management systems and high-lux lighting to ensure Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality standards.

The partnership, which originated from a customer programme launched in late 2020, has evolved into a sole-supplier style arrangement for the A320 fleet at the Maastricht hub. Richard Marston, Chief Commercial Officer at MAAS Aviation, emphasized the importance of the long-term relationship in optimizing operational efficiency.

“We are proud to name easyJet as a long-term partner. The extension of their aircraft painting programme is testament to our streamlined processes which deliver aircraft finished to the highest OEM quality standards at the optimum TATs [Turnaround Times] this leading operator demands.”

Richard Marston, CCO, MAAS Aviation

Sustainability Through Technical Innovation

A central component of the renewed agreement is the implementation of a “world-first” lightweight paint system developed in collaboration with Mankiewicz Aviation Coatings. According to the press release, easyJet became the first airline globally to trial this technology in January 2025, with MAAS Aviation serving as the MRO partner for the application.

The technical data provided by the companies indicates that the new coating system reduces the weight of a single aircraft by approximately 27 kilograms (59.5 lbs). While this reduction may seem minor on an individual unit basis, the cumulative effect across a high-frequency fleet is substantial. The reduction in weight leads to decreased drag and lower fuel consumption.

Sophie Michelson, Aircraft Appearance Manager at easyJet, noted the dual focus on aesthetics and environmental impact:

“MAAS continue to demonstrate the highest standards of exterior paint application which has helped us to achieve industry leading exterior paint processes and finish. easyJet is committed to ensuring the highest standards of aircraft appearance, whilst continuously working on gains to reduce carbon emissions.”

Sophie Michelson, Aircraft Appearance Manager, easyJet

Projected Environmental Impact

The companies have projected that once the rollout is completed across the fleet, targeted for 2029, the initiative will result in an annual reduction in fuel consumption of 1,296 tonnes. This equates to a reduction of over 4,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, supporting easyJet’s broader “Net Zero” roadmap for 2050.

AirPro News Analysis

This contract renewal illustrates a growing trend in the aviation industry where MRO contracts are no longer defined solely by cost and turnaround time. Sustainability metrics are becoming a decisive factor in supplier selection. For low-cost carriers like easyJet, where margins are tight and fuel accounts for a massive portion of operating costs, a 27kg weight reduction per airframe represents a tangible efficiency gain. By integrating this requirement into their painting contract, easyJet effectively turns routine maintenance into a carbon-reduction strategy, setting a precedent for how airlines might leverage MRO partnerships to meet stringent environmental targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the painting work take place?

All work under this contract will be performed at MAAS Aviation’s facility at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) in the Netherlands.

Which aircraft are included in the contract?

The agreement covers easyJet’s entire fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft, including the A319, A320, and A321 models.

How much weight does the new paint save?

The new lightweight paint system saves approximately 27kg (59.5 lbs) per aircraft compared to traditional coatings.

When does the new contract begin?

The renewed multi-year agreement is effective starting with the 2025/2026 painting season.

Sources

• MAAS Aviation