The global aerospace industry is gaining momentum. Aircraft production and deliveries are increasing, order books remain strong and manufacturers across the supply chain are under growing pressure to increase output.
According to recent ADS industry data, 673 commercial aircraft were delivered globally during the first half of 2026, an increase of 13% compared with the same period in 2025 and the strongest first-half delivery performance since 2018.
Meanwhile, the combined Airbus and Boeing backlog reached a record 16,925 aircraft, representing approximately 12 years of production at current manufacturing rates.
But as production accelerates, another question needs to be considered:
Is surface protection keeping pace?
Protecting High-Value Components During Production
Aircraft and their components can pass through numerous stages before reaching final delivery – from manufacturing and assembly to testing, storage and transportation.
Throughout this journey, high-value surfaces can be exposed to:
- Scratches and abrasion
- Dust and contamination
- Oils and manufacturing residue
- Accidental spills
- Damage during handling
- Storage and transportation conditions
Even relatively minor surface damage can create additional inspection, cleaning, repair and rework requirements.
As manufacturers look for ways to increase productivity and improve efficiency, preventing damage before it occurs can be far more effective than addressing it later in the production line.
Temporary Protection Without Complicated Removal
Protectapeel Aerospace E100 has been developed specifically as a temporary peelable protective coating for the aerospace sector.
Applied as a liquid, the coating follows the surface’s contours before drying to form a tough, airtight protective barrier.
Unlike traditional protective materials that may require cutting, taping or fixing into position, a liquid-applied coating can provide continuous protection across flat, shaped and curved surfaces.
When protection is no longer required, the dried coating can simply be peeled away, revealing the protected surface underneath.
Supporting Longer Production and Storage Periods
With aerospace order books extending years into the future, components may require protection at different stages and for varying lengths of time.
Protectapeel Aerospace E100 can provide temporary protection for up to 24 months. This makes temporary surface protection relevant not only during active manufacturing and assembly, but also when components require longer-term storage or preservation.
Aerospace Growth Creates New Challenges
The scale of current demand demonstrates the opportunity ahead for aerospace manufacturers and their supply chains.
At the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow alone, deals announced across the four trade days were valued at £62.9 billion, including 353 firm aircraft orders for Airbus, Boeing and Embraer.
Meeting this level of demand isn’t simply about producing more aircraft. Manufacturers and suppliers also need to consider how they can maintain quality, reduce unnecessary rework and protect high-value components while increasing throughput.
As aircraft production rises, effective surface protection should be part of that conversation too.
Contact the Spraylat team to discuss your aerospace surface protection requirements or arrange a product trial.
