AkzoNobel Supplies Coatings for French Tanker Aircraft

In a company first, the Aerospace Coatings arm of international coatings supplier AkzoNobel recently provided a water-based topcoat for the newest generation of the French Air Force’s long-distance tanker aircraft.

AkzoNobel’s Aerowave 5001 water-based coating was used on the first new generation of the A330 MRTT aircraft, which is known as a multi-role tanker transport. According to the company, the aircraft is also the first of its size to be finished with an external water-based topcoat.

In a company first, the Aerospace Coatings arm of international coatings supplier AkzoNobel recently provided a water-based topcoat for the newest generation of the French Air Force’s long-distance tanker aircraft.

“Aerowave 5001 is designed to provide all the benefits of a solvent-based coating, but with vastly lower VOC emissions,” said Maud Khelstovsky, AkzoNobel’s Key Account Manager for Airbus Defence & Space, the company responsible for building the aircraft.

”This allows aircraft to achieve the surface durability and chemical resistance upon which they have come to depend, while improving sustainability and helping to ensure regulatory compliance.”

There are 33 new A330 MRTT aircraft in operation, with another 27 on order.

“We’re extremely proud of this substantial achievement, which is testament to the proven performance of our coatings and our commitment to sustainability,” said Khelstovsky.