A quality-controlled trial of AGlaze Aviation SealantTM has yielded impressive results, with a reported gloss increase from 93.9 GU to 99.0 GU after just three months of a projected six-month evaluation. The trial, conducted by a major international airline on a newly refurbished and repainted Airbus A320 aircraft, underscores the potential of this innovative sealant to enhance aircraft aesthetics while delivering operational benefits.
Developed and patented by AGlaze International Limited, AGlaze Aviation SealantTM creates an ultra-smooth surface that not only boosts visual appeal but also reduces parasitic drag, lowering fuel consumption and emissions. Its hydrophobic and oleophobic surface reduces cleaning frequency and time, cutting water, detergent, and maintenance costs, while its durable barrier protects against UV radiation damage, pollutants, and corrosion. These features align with the aviation industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability and cost efficiency.
While the airline’s identity remains confidential pending the trial’s completion, the interim results highlight the sealant’s ability to maintain and enhance gloss levels significantly. The gloss increase from 93.9 GU to 99.0 GU reflects a noticeable improvement in surface shine, contributing to a professional, well-maintained aircraft appearance, a key factor in brand perception. A high-quality repaint would normally expect to achieve between 85-95 GU – so these results clearly show AGlaze Aviation SealantTM enhances even top-tier repaints.
Previous applications of AGlaze’s sealant have demonstrated other tangible benefits. For instance, a trial with Trans Maldivian Airways, the world’s largest floatplane operator, showed reduced cleaning time and water usage in the harsh saltwater environment of the Maldives, leading to its adoption across their 65-aircraft fleet. British Airways stated, “We believe AGlaze does protect the aircraft paint, giving the paint a longer life span and clean aircraft with AGlazed surfaces we believe use less fuel.”
“AGlaze Aviation SealantTM is the only aircraft paint protection system that has empirical evidence to support its fuel reduction claims” comments Mike Cappuccitti, MD of Gryphon Aviation Partners (GAP), the exclusive global distributor to airlines. “Wind tunnel testing by the UK’s Aircraft Research Association confirmed a parasitic drag reduction of ≈1.3% following a physical test on a B737-700 using Boeing’s Performance Monitoring Equipment.”
He adds “Our aerodynamicist, Nick Guida, has developed a sophisticated fuel savings calculator based on CFM56 engine performance data and validated aerodynamic principles. The model applies the empirically verified 1.3% reduction in parasitic drag to the aircraft’s parasitic drag coefficient (CDO) across each phase of flight (climb, cruise, and descent) providing a highly accurate relative analysis of expected fuel savings. We encourage airlines to talk to us about potential fuel and emission savings for their fleet.”
The current trial, now halfway through its six-month duration, continues to evaluate the sealant’s performance across fuel efficiency, maintenance savings, and durability. Industry experts anticipate that the final results will set the new benchmark for aircraft surface treatments, particularly for airlines seeking to balance operational costs with environmental responsibility.
“This trial reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance performance, aesthetics, and sustainability for airlines worldwide,” says AGlaze International’s Chair, Michael Bollom.
Stay tuned for updates as the trial progresses and formal announcements from the airline are released.