AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings Debuts New AS7489-Certified Training Program

AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings recently launched its AS7489-certified training program at NBAA BACE 2025.

The program was created to encourage organizations to adopt the globally recognized standard in aerospace coatings application and raise professional standards. 

The new program fully complies with SAE International’s AS7489 standard, a framework for the training and qualification of Aerospace Organic Coatings Applicators. The program was also created as part of AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings’ Aerofleet Training+ offering.

Before the introduction of AS7489, there was not a universal standard for coatings. AkzoNobel’s program improves access to professional training for the global aerospace industry, therefore helping to close this gap. 

AkzoNobel’s AS7489 training is structured across five progressive levels, approved for delivery by SAE International. The courses include:

• Theoretical fundamentals (Level 1)
• Advanced practical assessments (Levels 2, 3 and 4)
• In-depth specialization for expert applicators (Level 5)

Customers will be able to receive AS7489-certified training at AkzoNobel’s training center in Troy, Michigan. Students can also learn from AkzoNobel’s first cohort of Technical Service Representatives. AkzoNobel plans to establish and certify additional training centers and Technical Service teams to support the future rollout of AS7489 training across Europe. 

“For years, we’ve helped applicators understand and use our coatings effectively, and we will continue to do so but the introduction of the AS7489 program takes our customer training to a step further,” says Michael Green, business services manager at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings.

Green continues, “We’re enabling professionals to achieve globally recognized credentials that raise the bar for skill, safety, and quality across the industry, and we’re supporting our customers in the MRO and aftermarket. With visible, tangible proof of staff competence and professionalism, our customers will be able to demonstrate both compliance and a high level of service quality, helping them to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.”

AkzoNobel’s bespoke online training and certification platform contributes to the program, as it gives full visibility of training progress and qualification status to:

• Applicators
• Assessors
• Employers

Through the online training platform, participants can:

• Submit their work
• Track their learning journey
• Store digital records of their certifications

Independent assessors will use the system to ensure objective evaluation against the AS7489 standard by reviewing and grading submissions.

For employers, the system will make it easier to:

• Monitor employee progress
• Identify development needs
• Verify candidate credentials during recruiting

“We’re supporting meaningful qualifications that raise the standard across the industry,” adds Michael, “and our digital platform makes professional training measurable, portable, and transparent.”

He continues, “Not only will our AS7489 training help individuals advance their careers, and contribute to workforce development, but it will also help businesses attract, retain, and invest in skilled applicators by demonstrating their commitment to recognized professional standards.”