AkzoNobel Donates Coatings for United Airlines Douglas DC-8 Restoration

The retired United Airlines Douglas DC-8 aircraft – restored with coatings supplied by AkzoNobel – is on static display near the entrance to the Dr. Theodore T. Alexander Jr. Science Center School.  

 

 

“We are proud to be part of this project and had no hesitation in donating our Eclipse coatings for such an incredible aircraft,” said Robert Mather, strategic account manager of AkzoNobel’s Aerospace Coatings business. “The DC-8 has a remarkable history, which can’t fail to inspire the young people who see this one every day.”
 
The coating was rolled on, rather than sprayed. The low emission Eclipse system was applied by International Aerospace Coatings to ensure that the DC-8 looks as good as the day it first rolled out of the hangar.

“United is thrilled that the DC-8 is being preserved to educate future generations on the history of air travel,” said Janet Lamkin, United’s California president. “We have been part of Los Angeles and California for more than 90 years, and I’m proud to see this important part of our heritage restored so beautifully.” 
 

“With its new paint job, the plane is starting to shine again for the enjoyment of our guests, as well as the students and staff at the Science Center school,” added Dr. Perry Roth-Johnson, assistant curator for Aerospace Science at the California Science Center.
 
Only a handful of DC-8 airplanes are still in use today as cargo carriers. The DC-8 is one of only two aircraft – along with the Soviet Tu-144 – to have flown supersonic before Concorde.