The introduction of a lighter basecoat technology across the airline’s fleet is expected to enable TAP Air Portugal to save around 428 tonnes of fuel and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 1,353 tonnes per year.
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TAP Air Portugal has successfully completed operational trials of a lighter basecoat technology for aircraft, capable of reducing weight by up to 26 kg per aircraft, reinforcing the company’s commitment to operational efficiency, fuel savings and emissions reduction.
The tests, carried out using AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings’ Aerobase UPD formulation, demonstrated that the system can reduce the total thickness of the basecoat film by 36 per cent compared with the traditional two-coat application process, whilst maintaining the standards of durability, appearance and finish quality required in commercial aviation operations.
Field tests carried out on a TAP Air Portugal A320 aircraft resulted in a weight reduction of 24 kg. Following these results, a second A320 aircraft was also coated, and expansion plans are being drawn up to extend the use of the lighter basecoat to the entire fleet.
Based on the projected roll-out across the entire fleet, this lighter coating technology is expected to contribute to annual fuel savings of approximately 428.5 tonnes, translating into annual cost savings of over half a million euros and an estimated reduction of around 1,353 tonnes in CO₂ emissions.