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

On April 29, 2026, AkzoNobel announced a significant upgrade to its Aerofleet Coatings Management service, introducing a new drone-based inspection tool designed to revolutionize aircraft paint maintenance. According to the company’s press release, the new drone, named the Iris CMX, was developed in partnership with French automated inspection specialist Donecle.

The Iris CMX is equipped with a specialized three-in-one contact-based sensor that physically measures paint thickness, color, and gloss. When deployed alongside AkzoNobel’s existing visual inspection drone, the Iris GVI, the dual-drone system enables airlines to complete a comprehensive exterior inspection of a narrowbody aircraft in approximately 30 minutes.

This technological advancement marks a critical shift in aerospace maintenance. By moving away from rigid, time-based repainting schedules, airlines can now rely on highly accurate, data-driven predictive models. According to AkzoNobel, this transition is expected to save airlines money, increase aircraft availability, and substantially reduce the environmental impact associated with aircraft repainting.

The Technology Behind the Dual-Drone System

The upgraded Aerofleet system utilizes a comprehensive three-pillar data approach to assess coating performance, combining quantitative measurements, qualitative imaging, and environmental data.

Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection

The first pillar relies on the newly introduced Iris CMX drone. As detailed in the press release, this drone gathers quantitative data using a targeted contact-based sensor to physically measure dry film thickness, color data, and gloss. This capability brings unprecedented accuracy, consistency, and repeatability to coating inspections, ensuring that the physical properties of the paint are meticulously tracked over time.

The second pillar involves the pre-existing Iris GVI drone, which focuses on qualitative data. During an inspection, the Iris GVI flies in a programmed grid over the aircraft’s surface, capturing up to 600 high-definition photographs. Donecle’s proprietary machine learning algorithms then analyze these images to identify and flag wear, tear, or specific defects, such as rivet rash or lightning strikes.

The final pillar integrates external flight and environmental data. The Aerofleet system feeds variables such as route profiles, UV exposure, and humidity into its predictive models, creating a holistic view of the aircraft’s exterior health.

Operational and Environmental Impact

AkzoNobel notes that the Aerofleet Coatings Management service is ideally suited for commercial airlines operating fleets of 100 aircraft or more. By utilizing a trained two-person team to operate both drones simultaneously, one on each side of the aircraft, maintenance crews can drastically reduce inspection times.

Efficiency and Sustainability Benefits

By accurately determining the true “health” of an aircraft’s paint, airlines can avoid premature and unnecessary repainting. This data-driven approach lowers direct maintenance costs and keeps aircraft in the air longer, thereby increasing overall fleet availability. Furthermore, the drones can be utilized during manufacturing and routine maintenance cycles to ensure coatings meet strict specifications from day one, which helps reduce costly rework.

From an environmental standpoint, extending the lifespan of aircraft coatings directly reduces the consumption of chemical paints. It also lowers the carbon footprint associated with the energy-intensive repainting process, aligning with broader aviation industry sustainability goals.

“Aerofleet Coatings Management has always been about giving airlines greater confidence in when and why they maintain or repaint their aircraft. The addition of the Iris CMX brings precise, consistent measurement into the process to strengthen the data that underpins our predictive models. It also allows us to support expert assessment with more objective, consistent and repeatable inspections, while improving the speed and efficiency of the inspection process.”

Industry Context and the Donecle Partnership

AkzoNobel’s Aerospace Coatings business initially launched the Aerofleet Coatings Management service in 2023. To solidify the technological foundation of the service, AkzoNobel acquired a minority stake in Donecle in October 2023. Donecle’s automated drone technology has been certified by major aviation regulatory bodies and manufacturers, including the FAA, EASA, Airbus, and Boeing.

The Rise of Automated MRO

The partnership highlights a growing trend of automation within the aviation sector. Donecle recently raised an additional €10 million in April 2026 to expand its AI capabilities and international footprint, according to reporting by Aviation Week Network. This funding signals strong market demand for automated, AI-driven inspection tools.

“We have already been collaborating to develop the new Aerofleet Coatings Management service and will be working closely with their teams in evolving this and other services to help keep our aerospace customers one step ahead of the competition.”

Claybrough has also recently noted at industry events that artificial intelligence is highly effective at finding small defects, allowing human inspectors and AI to combine for optimal results.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector is rapidly shifting from reactive maintenance to predictive maintenance. The integration of tools like the Iris CMX drone reflects a broader industry reliance on “digital twins” and AI-driven data threads. By forecasting wear and tear before it becomes a safety or aesthetic issue, airlines are not only optimizing their operational budgets but also mitigating the safety risks associated with traditional manual inspections, which often require scaffolding and extensive downtime. The €10 million capital injection into Donecle further underscores investor confidence that drone-assisted MRO is transitioning from a niche innovation to an industry standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a drone inspection take with the new system?

According to AkzoNobel, when the Iris CMX and Iris GVI drones are operated simultaneously by a two-person team, a full exterior inspection of a narrowbody aircraft takes approximately 30 minutes.

What exactly does the Iris CMX drone measure?

The Iris CMX uses a three-in-one contact-based sensor to physically measure the dry film thickness, color data, and gloss of the aircraft’s paint.

What size fleets benefit most from this technology?

AkzoNobel states that the Aerofleet Coatings Management service is ideally suited for commercial airlines operating fleets of 100 aircraft or more.

Sources:

• AkzoNobel Official Press Release (April 29, 2026)

This article is based on an official press release from DART Aerospace.

DART Aerospace Secures TCCA Certification for Enhanced Fire Attack System on Medium Bell Helicopters

On April 29, 2026, DART Aerospace announced the receipt of a new Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH26-18. According to the official press release, this certification approves a series of critical operational and safety enhancements to the company’s Fire Attack System Model 304, a specialized belly-mounted aerial firefighting system.

The newly certified upgrades are specifically engineered for Medium Bell helicopters, including the Bell 205, 212, 412, AB412, and UH-1H models. By modernizing this legacy equipment, DART Aerospace aims to improve pilot safety, increase mission flexibility, and enable round-the-clock wildfire suppression capabilities.

As global wildfire seasons grow longer and more severe, the demand for advanced aerial firefighting technology has accelerated. We at AirPro News recognize this certification as a significant step in equipping existing helicopter fleets with modern, high-efficiency suppression tools directly from the manufacturers.

Modernizing Aerial Firefighting Capabilities

The Fire Attack System Model 304 features a belly-mounted carbon fiberglass tank capable of holding 1,420 liters (375 gallons) of water or 114 liters (30 gallons) of foam retardant. The recent TCCA certification introduces several modernizations to this legacy system, directly addressing the evolving needs of aerial firefighting operators.

Night Operations and Hover Refills

One of the most critical enhancements approved under STC SH26-18 is the ability to perform unaided night hover refills. According to the company’s specifications, the system now allows operators to safely refill the water tank while hovering over a water source at night without the need for external visual aids. Furthermore, the certification includes an improved stowable hover pump kit, which increases the efficiency and reliability of drafting water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs.

Enhancing Pilot Safety with Integrated Controls

Aerial firefighting remains a high-stress, high-risk operation, often requiring pilots to fly at low altitudes in turbulent conditions. To address these hazards, DART Aerospace has integrated the emergency jettison switch directly into the helicopter’s primary flight controls.

The emergency release mechanism allows pilots to instantly drop the water or retardant load in an emergency without removing their hands from the flight controls.

This integration ensures that if a helicopter experiences an engine failure or a sudden downdraft, the pilot can instantly shed over 3,000 pounds of water weight to regain lift, maintaining a continuous physical connection to the aircraft’s steering.

Extending the Lifespan of Legacy Fleets

Medium Bell helicopters, such as the UH-1H “Huey” and the Bell 212, have long served as the historic workhorses of the aerial firefighting industry. However, replacing these aging airframes with entirely new aircraft is often prohibitively expensive for operators and fire agencies.

By certifying modern, high-tech enhancements for these older airframes, DART Aerospace provides a cost-effective pathway for operators to modernize their existing fleets. The enhanced Fire Attack System Model 304 is currently available directly through DART Aerospace, allowing operators to upgrade their capabilities ahead of upcoming fire seasons.

AirPro News analysis

Based on our review of the industry landscape and the provided research data, this certification highlights the strategic value of DART Aerospace’s past acquisitions. The Fire Attack System Model 304 was originally developed by Simplex Aerospace, a Portland, Oregon-based company with a 70-year history in aerial application systems. In October 2019, DART Aerospace acquired Simplex Aerospace, absorbing its portfolio of over 200 international product certifications.

Founded in 1975 in Montreal, Canada, DART Aerospace recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. The company has grown to employ over 600 people across facilities in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the UK, holding over 2,000 STCs and supporting more than 5,000 aircraft worldwide. We view the successful integration and modernization of Simplex’s legacy firefighting technology as a testament to DART’s continued growth and its commitment to addressing the global climate and wildfire crisis. Furthermore, the push for 24/7 firefighting capabilities, capitalizing on lower nighttime temperatures and higher humidity, makes the unaided night hover refill feature a vital tool for modern fire agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What aircraft are compatible with the enhanced Fire Attack System Model 304?

According to the TCCA STC SH26-18 certification, the system is compatible with Medium Bell helicopters, specifically the Bell 205, 212, 412, AB412, and UH-1H models.

What is the capacity of the Model 304 tank?

The belly-mounted carbon fiberglass tank holds 1,420 liters (375 gallons) of water or 114 liters (30 gallons) of foam retardant.

Why is the integrated emergency jettison switch important?

It allows pilots to instantly drop over 3,000 pounds of water weight during an emergency (such as engine failure or downdrafts) without taking their hands off the primary flight controls, significantly improving safety.

Sources

• DART Aerospace

This article summarizes reporting by Phoenix Business Journal. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

Davcon Aviation has officially been awarded a contract to develop a massive 400,000-square-foot hangar facility at Phoenix Goodyear Airport. The 40-acre project is designed to accommodate a diverse range of aircraft, including wide-body, narrow-body, and corporate jets, signaling a major expansion of aviation infrastructure in Arizona’s West Valley.

According to reporting by the Phoenix Business Journal, the development aims to provide a scalable alternative for operators and maintenance providers facing severe congestion at primary hubs like Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Pre-leasing opportunities are already available for the site, which is expected to draw significant interest from national and international aviation firms.

The project is projected to generate a substantial number of long-term jobs, bolstering the local economy and supporting continued economic growth in the West Valley. By focusing on non-essential and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations, the new facility will help absorb overflow demand in the rapidly expanding Phoenix metropolitan area.

Strategic Expansion at Phoenix Goodyear Airport

Expanding MRO Capabilities

As primary aviation hubs become increasingly congested with commercial passenger traffic, secondary airports are stepping up to fill the void. Phoenix Goodyear Airport offers a compelling alternative with its uncongested airspace and an 8,500-foot runway capable of handling large wide-body aircraft. This robust infrastructure makes it an ideal location for MRO providers and corporate aviation users looking for cost-efficient, scalable solutions on the West Coast.

Industry reports indicate that the airport’s direct access to the Phoenix workforce and major transportation routes, such as Interstate 10, enables faster turnaround times and improved scheduling reliability. These factors are critical drivers for MRO revenue and overall operational efficiency.

“Phoenix Goodyear Airport represents one of the strongest West Coast MRO opportunities in the country,” said Dave Wakefield, CEO of Davcon Aviation.

Wakefield further noted in public remarks that the airport’s strategic location and long runway make it exceptionally well-positioned for future aviation growth.

Collaborative Infrastructure Development

Building the Future of Aviation

To bring this large-scale project to life, Davcon Aviation has partnered with several national leaders in aviation facility design and construction. Stantec, a global engineering and sustainable design firm with a 30-year history of working alongside the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, is heavily involved in the project’s architectural planning.

Meanwhile, ARCO National Construction has been selected as the primary construction partner, bringing extensive experience in building specialized aviation facilities nationwide.

“We’re proud to partner with Davcon as they bring critical aviation infrastructure to markets across the country,” stated Parker Snyder, director of business development for ARCO National Construction.

Cushman & Wakefield is acting as the leasing broker for the development, actively engaging prospective tenants. According to public remarks from Jerry Noble, managing director for Cushman & Wakefield, the combination of uncongested airspace and access to the Phoenix MSA workforce creates a highly competitive environment for operators looking to expand. Pre-leasing activity has reportedly been among the strongest seen in the United States.

AirPro News analysis

The Davcon Aviation project at Phoenix Goodyear Airport highlights a growing and necessary trend in the aviation industry: the strategic utilization of secondary airports to alleviate pressure on major international hubs. As commercial passenger traffic and cargo operations dominate primary airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor, corporate aviation and MRO facilities are increasingly being pushed to the periphery.

This shift not only optimizes airspace and runway usage but also stimulates regional economic development. By investing in robust infrastructure at airports like Goodyear, developers are creating specialized aviation ecosystems that offer lower operational costs and greater flexibility for tenants. We expect this model to be replicated in other high-growth metropolitan areas across the United States as the demand for MRO services and private aviation continues to rise. The collaboration between private developers and municipal airports will be key to sustaining the broader aviation supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of the new Davcon Aviation development?

The project encompasses approximately 400,000 square feet of hangar space situated on a 40-acre site at Phoenix Goodyear Airport.

What types of aircraft will the facility accommodate?

The hangars are designed to handle a wide range of aircraft, including wide-body, narrow-body, and corporate jets.

Why was Phoenix Goodyear Airport chosen for this project?

The airport features an 8,500-foot runway, uncongested airspace, and strategic access to the Phoenix workforce, making it an ideal alternative to congested primary hubs like Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Sources

Sources: Phoenix Business Journal