AkzoNobel Aerobase UPD reduces aircraft coating weight for TAP Air Portugal
- Aerobase UPD can reduce coating weight by up to 26 kg per aircraft.
- Projected fleet implementation could save about 428.5 tonnes of fuel and ~1,353 tonnes CO2eq annually, and more than €500,000 in costs.
- The system cuts total basecoat film thickness by 36% compared with the prior two-coat formulation.
- Aerobase UPD achieves required hiding and finish with a single basecoat, offers ~40% greater sag resistance and is certified to AMS3095.
Trials and partners
AkzoNobel’s Aerospace Coatings business and TAP Air Portugal completed operational trials of Aerobase UPD, a lightweight basecoat formulation that can reduce coating weight by up to 26 kg per aircraft.
Operational impact
Based on projected fleet-wide implementation, Aerobase UPD is expected to contribute approximately 428.5 tonnes of annual fuel savings, an estimated reduction of around 1,353 tonnes of CO2eq, and more than €500,000 in annual cost savings. The partners highlighted how small weight reductions across fleets can translate into meaningful long-term fuel, emissions and operational benefits.
Technical performance
The trials showed the Aerobase UPD system reduces total basecoat film thickness by 36% versus the previous two-coat solution while maintaining durability, appearance and finish quality. The formulation achieves required hiding power and finish through a single basecoat application—removing the need for a second full basecoat and its flash-off stages—and delivers roughly 40% greater sag resistance compared with the traditional two-layer system.
Certification and implementation
Aerobase UPD is certified to AMS3095 for global mixed-fleet MRO operations and integrates with the upgraded Aerobase activator and existing Aerobase hardeners, allowing straightforward implementation within existing paint shop processes.
Source: AkzoNobel
