AkzoNobel has donated its expertise and solutions to Boeing’s technology and engineering-oriented school programme.
AkzoNobel has collaborated with Boeing to support the company’s new project of using a Boeing 737-700 as the canvas for a bespoke livery. The project is part of a broader programme aiming to inspire imagination and creativity for the future generations: ‘Soaring with Your Dream’ is a technology and engineering-oriented school programme launched in 2009 by Boeing Global Citizenship in order to encourage young people to become interested in the aviation industry.
The airplane, that resided at the Boeing 737 Completion Center in Zhoushan (China), is specifically used to train students in painting airplane liveries and one-off designs. The launch of the ‘Flying Dream’ painted airplane is intended both as a celebration of Boeing’s commitment to Global Citizenship and as a practical demonstration of what world-class partnerships can achieve.
The coating manufacturer AkzoNobel has donated its expertise to the project, supporting the mixing and application of the four colours based on the company’s formulas, and has also supplied the Aerodur 3001/3002 base coat/clear coat system. The entire process was filmed, to grant a visual explanation of the level of detail and technical skills required.
“AkzoNobel is very proud to support Boeing China with this initiative to help young people understand the detailed process of aircraft spraying to completion. We hope it will continue to inspire enthusiasm for the aviation industry in the future,” commented Jeffery Li, AkzoNobel Sales Manager in China.
The Boeing is predominantly coated with a blue hue that symbolizes the dreams and the boundless sky with its limitless horizons. Towards the rear of the airplane, the design also includes small silhouettes of Boeing creations, from the C-type seaplane designed by Boeing’s first ever aeronautical engineer Wang Zhu to the Boeing 747-8 with which Chinese manufacturers were closely involved. It even includes an image of the latest Boeing 787 Dreamliner, reflecting the mission of carrying the hopes and dreams of future generations. Moreover, the design integrates a new logo – the Flying Dream – in the wings and main fuselage.
“In China for nearly 50 years, Boeing has actively fulfilled its firm commitment to Chinese society and expanded and deepened its cooperation with the Chinese aviation industry. We are not only providing the industry with high-quality airplane products, but also fulfilling our social responsibility as an excellent corporate citizen,” stated Sherry Carbary, President of Boeing China.
The ‘Flying Dream’ programme has already been promoted to more than 1,600 schools in ì 20 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China including many difficult-to-reach rural communities.