The Cost and Complexity of Aircraft Painting

Aircraft painting is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the aviation industry. Dean Baldwin Painting, a 57-year-old aircraft painting company based in Macon, Georgia, sheds light on the intricacies and expenses involved in this process.

Aircraft painting is not a simple task; it encompasses safety, compliance, environmental considerations, manpower, and extensive training. Barbara Baldwin-McNulty, CEO and owner of the company, emphasizes that it’s a multifaceted endeavor, and meeting the high-quality expectations of airlines requires a dedicated team and considerable time.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets rigorous safety standards for aircraft paint, leading to continuous inspections throughout the painting process. The journey involves collaboration between engineers, painters, and inspectors to ensure compliance.

Aircraft painting typically involves applying four to five layers, each as thin as a fraction of a millimeter. These layers include an anti-corrosion primer, protective intermediate layers, and a final outer layer, which is typically white due to its efficient light-reflecting properties.

The global commercial aviation aircraft paint market is on the rise, with an estimated worth of nearly $18.5 billion in 2020. Projections suggest it will expand to a $65 billion market by 2027.

This insight into the complexities and costs of aircraft painting highlights the critical role it plays in aviation and its substantial impact on the industry’s economy.