AkzoNobel expands CAAC approval at Dongguan, enabling local Eclipse color blending and faster, high-quality aerospace coating support for China鈥檚 aviation market.
AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has further strengthened its position in the Chinese aerospace market by securing an extension to its existing approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its Dongguan manufacturing facility. This latest approval broadens the scope of certified activities at the site to include the color blending of AkzoNobel鈥檚 Eclipse aircraft topcoat system, marking an important step in enhancing local service capabilities for customers across China.
With the extended approval taking effect immediately, the Dongguan facility is now authorized to supply Eclipse color blends directly to maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) partners operating in the region. This development is expected to significantly improve speed to market, responsiveness and flexibility, enabling AkzoNobel to provide faster turnaround times and more localized color expertise to meet the evolving needs of airlines, OEMs and MROs in China鈥檚 rapidly growing aviation sector.
Eclipse is AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings鈥� advanced, high-performance aircraft topcoat system, engineered to deliver durable protection, consistent appearance and long-lasting finishes for exterior aircraft applications. Designed with low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, the system aligns with global sustainability and environmental standards while maintaining the high aesthetic and performance requirements of modern aircraft fleets. By localizing Eclipse color blending in China, AkzoNobel can now support customers with greater efficiency while ensuring strict adherence to its global quality benchmarks.
Prior to this extension, the Dongguan site already held CAAC approval for other certified activities, along with AS9100 aerospace quality management certification. The facility is also approved by major aircraft manufacturers including Boeing, Airbus and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). The addition of CAAC approval for Eclipse color blending further reinforces Dongguan鈥檚 role as a strategically important aerospace supply hub within AkzoNobel鈥檚 China operations.
Marius Vasiliu, Regional Sales Director for AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings Asia Pacific, highlighted that the approval extension demonstrates the company鈥檚 ability to expand certified capabilities in direct response to customer expectations and market demand. He emphasized that the move is particularly beneficial for customers in China, as it enables AkzoNobel to deliver customized, trusted color solutions more quickly and locally, without compromising on the highest global quality standards.
According to Vasiliu, the Dongguan facility is a cornerstone of AkzoNobel鈥檚 growth strategy in the Asia Pacific region. By continuously broadening the scope of certified activities at the site, the company is enhancing its ability to support customers as they scale their own operations and respond to increasing aircraft production, fleet expansion and MRO demand within China.
Beyond Eclipse color blending, the Dongguan facility plays a central role in AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings鈥� broader China footprint. It provides local color blending services, technical support and OEM-approved color matching solutions to a wide range of customers, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers and MRO providers. The site is qualified by Airbus for Aerobase color blending and approved by Boeing and COMAC for Aerodur鈩� 3001G. These qualifications support key aviation programs such as custom livery development for Airbus aircraft at Tianjin, Boeing programs at Zhoushan, and the COMAC C919 narrowbody aircraft program.
With the extension of CAAC approval for Eclipse color blending, AkzoNobel reinforces its long-term commitment to the Chinese aerospace market, positioning itself to deliver faster, more responsive and locally tailored solutions while supporting the continued growth of China鈥檚 aviation industry.
