This article is based on an official press release from AkzoNobel.

AkzoNobel Launches Single-Coat Aerobase Solution to Streamline MRO Operations

AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has officially introduced a new single-coat Aerobase basecoat solution aimed at the global Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) market. According to a company press release issued on February 9, 2026, the new formulation is designed to replace traditional two-coat application processes, offering significant improvements in operational efficiency and sustainability.

The announcement, which coincides with the product’s showcase at MRO Middle East 2026 in Dubai, highlights a major shift in aerospace painting protocols. By enabling a validated single-coat system, AkzoNobel claims the product reduces application time and complexity while delivering a consistent finish across mixed fleets. The system is currently certified for immediate use worldwide.

Technical Innovation: The “Cross-Coat” Application

The core of this development lies in the formulation’s enhanced physical properties. AkzoNobel reports that the new Aerobase solution offers a 40% increase in sag resistance compared to the original system. This improvement allows painters to apply a thicker wet film in a single “cross-coat” pass without the risk of the paint running or sagging on vertical fuselage surfaces.

Traditionally, achieving full opacity and a smooth finish required two separate basecoat applications, often with a flash-off period in between. The new system eliminates the need for the second coat while maintaining the required hiding power and surface quality. AkzoNobel states that this reduction in process steps is achieved without compromising the durability or appearance of the final finish.

Sustainability and Weight Reduction

Beyond operational speed, the single-coat system addresses critical sustainability metrics for airlines. Data provided by AkzoNobel indicates that the new process results in a significantly thinner paint layer.

Field Testing Results

Field tests conducted in 2025 on a single-aisle aircraft demonstrated a 36% reduction in total film thickness compared to the previous two-coat system. In the aviation sector, where every kilogram counts, this reduction translates directly to lower aircraft operating weight.

According to the press release, this weight saving contributes to reduced fuel burn and associated CO2 emissions over the lifespan of the aircraft. The company emphasizes that these environmental benefits are achieved alongside improved finish consistency.

Operational Impact for MROs

The development of the single-coat Aerobase was driven by the specific needs of MRO facilities, which face constant pressure to increase throughput and reduce turnaround times. Aurore Bournazel, Segment Manager OEM, MRO & Airlines at AkzoNobel, highlighted the practical focus of the innovation in a statement.

“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.”

Aurore Bournazel, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings

AirPro News Analysis

The shift toward single-coat systems represents a logical evolution in aerospace coatings, particularly as the industry grapples with supply chain constraints and labor shortages. By removing an entire application pass, MROs can theoretically release aircraft back to operators faster. Furthermore, while sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) often dominate the “Net Zero” conversation, weight reduction remains one of the most immediate and cost-effective methods for airlines to lower emissions. A 36% reduction in basecoat thickness, applied across a global fleet, represents a tangible efficiency gain that requires no change in engine technology or fuel infrastructure.

Availability and Future Rollout

AkzoNobel has confirmed that the enhanced Aerobase single-coat solution is available immediately in the most commonly used aerospace white colors. The product is certified for the MRO mixed fleet market, with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) testing and approval scheduled to follow.

To support the rollout, the company is conducting additional applications with two MRO partners on both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. These trials are intended to generate robust real-world performance data regarding efficiency and finish quality. The product is planned for a broader global rollout throughout 2026.

Attendees of MRO Middle East 2026 can view the solution at the AkzoNobel booth (1620).

Sources

• AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings