Press Release

Issued by General Atomics AeroTec Systems.

September 19, 2016

The specialist aircraft painting facilities at RUAG Aviation in Munich have successfully delivered a fully repainted Gulfstream aircraft to complete customer satisfaction.

“Large business jets like the Gulfstream are easily accommodated in our state-of-the-art paint shop,” states André Ebach, general manager business jets, RUAG Aviation. “Our advanced technologies and professional facilities provide the basis for our excellent reputation in aircraft painting.”

The owner of the newly painted Gulfstream chose to refresh the exterior surface as the aircraft had already accrued several years of service. “Over the years, aircraft begin to show the effects of environmental influences such as weather patterns, varying temperatures, and abrasive atmospheric elements. The topcoat ages as well, eventually taking on a dull, matt appearance, while erosion and corrosion also work against it,” explains Reinhard Imhoff, sales manager exterior services, RUAG Aviation.

In fact, industry painting specialists advise the occasional full stripping of an aircraft's surface as it actually works to ensure durability and prolonged value. The process allows the maintenance team a complete view of the bare metal surface. “From time to time, it is important to conduct a visual inspection of the surface. Technical specialists look for findings which remain unseen under layers of paint and topcoat,” confirms Reinhard Imhoff.

RUAG Aviation, a one-stop shop for full aircraft solutions, provides all services from one single source and also serves as an outsourcing partner to other providers; in this case, for aircraft painting. The practice of outsourcing requires a reliable partner whose organisation sustains the flexibility to support individualised customer needs and schedules. “RUAG is a highly responsive partner, delivering reliable solutions on time and to our complete satisfaction. This is why we continue to come back,” a key customer confirms.

André Ebach affirms, “Our happy customers represent fleets of various aircraft. We are committed to expanding the portfolio of OEM platforms we are able to serve to meet the customers' needs. The Gulfstream extension announced last week is a prime example of this engagement. This was also an important milestone in the expansion of our existing capabilities for Bombardier and Embraer.”