AS7489-certified training to raise professional standards in aerospace coatings
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We’re proud to announce that AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has launched its AS7489-certified training program at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) event in Las Vegas. This milestone marks a major step forward in advancing the adoption of the globally recognized SAE International AS7489 standard for aerospace coatings application and in raising professional standards across our industry.
Developed as part of our Aerofleet Training+ offering, this new program is fully compliant with the AS7489 standard, which defines the global framework for training and qualifying Aerospace Organic Coatings Applicators.
While other aerospace disciplines have long had recognized certifications, coatings application had no universal benchmark until AS7489 was introduced. Our new training program directly addresses this gap by improving access to professional, standardized training for applicators worldwide.
The AS7489 training is structured across five progressive levels, aligned with the technical standard and approved for delivery by SAE International. Courses begin with theoretical fundamentals (Level 1) and progress to advanced, practical assessments (Levels 2–4), culminating in Level 5 — an in-depth specialization for expert applicators.
Our training center in Troy, Michigan has now been approved, and our first cohort of Technical Service Representatives are certified to deliver AS7489 training to customers. Over the coming months, we’ll be working to establish and certify additional training centers and Technical Service teams to support rollout across Europe and other regions.
This launch builds on our long-standing commitment to innovation in learning and development
Michael Green - Business Services Manager, AkzoNobel Aerospace
“For years, we’ve helped applicators understand and use our coatings effectively — and the introduction of the AS7489 program takes our customer training a step further,” says Michael Green, Business Services Manager, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings. “We’re enabling professionals to achieve globally recognized credentials that raise the bar for skill, safety, and quality across the industry. With visible, tangible proof of staff competence and professionalism, our customers will be able to demonstrate both compliance and high service quality, helping them stand out in an increasingly competitive market.”
Supporting the rollout is our bespoke online training and certification platform, which gives applicators, assessors, and employers full visibility of training progress and qualification status. Through this platform, participants can submit work, track their learning journey, and store digital certification records. Independent assessors can review and grade submissions objectively, while employers can monitor development and verify credentials.
Bespoke Online Training Platform
“We’re supporting meaningful qualifications that raise the standard across the industry,” adds Michael. “Our digital platform makes professional training measurable, portable, and transparent. 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.” This initiative reflects who we are, innovators, collaborators, and leaders in raising the bar for our industry. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this important step forward a reality.