The eco-efficient BaseCoat/ClearCoat coating system that Mankiewicz offers fits perfectly the fuel-efficient A321neo – because a modern aircraft deserves an equally modern paint that maintains a stable shine and colour. Two of the A321neo flight test aircraft were recently coated in the Airbus paint shop in Hamburg with a special paint for the outer skin of aircraft – with excellent results and an average shine of 95 Gloss Units.

The paints used for coating the outer skin of an aircraft have to withstand a lot every day as well as be environmentally compatible and climate-friendly: whether heat, cold, cleaning fluids, kerosene or other extreme conditions, the paint must endure them all. In almost no other business are the demands on materials as extreme as they are in the aviation industry. These were also the conditions that Airbus stipulated as part of its push for technical innovation when it sought the optimum coating possibilities for the outer skin of its aircraft. Airbus first tried the BaseCoat/ClearCoat coating system in 2007, when two A330 of Australian flag carrier Qantas were painted. The coating system was a resounding success and countless Airbus aircraft now shine in Mankiewicz splendour.

“We are very proud of our continuous and outstanding developments, such as with the introduction of the ALEXIT BaseCoat/ClearCoat system for exterior coatings in 2006,” says Andreas Ossenkopf, Divisional Manager for Aviation at Mankiewicz. “The coating system revolutionised the paint market at the time.” The ALEXIT BaseCoat/ClearCoat system originally introduced by Mankiewicz with a completely innovative composition required only a single film per colour. Due also to the integrated clear coat layer, it complies with the demands of OEMs, MROs and airlines in terms of cost savings and longevity. The paint manufacturer has a focus on pioneering research and development. This continuous innovation results in significant cost savings for customers. “In our company we develop bespoke solutions and so can offer the optimum for each customer,” says Andreas Ossenkopf.