International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) has started construction of a new 79,000-square-foot aircraft painting hangar at Amarillo International Airport in Texas. The facility expansion supports IAC’s growing aviation services operations and reflects continued investment in specialized aerospace infrastructure.
The new hangar will strengthen the company’s aircraft painting capacity while creating additional employment opportunities through workforce training and expansion programs. IAC selected Amarillo because of its central U.S. location, runway access, and operational advantages.
IAC Expands Aircraft Painting Operations With New Amarillo Hangar
Construction is underway on IAC’s new aircraft painting hangar at Amarillo International Airport. The facility will support the company’s aircraft painting and aviation service operations.
International Aerospace Coatings operates 10 locations across the United States and Europe. The company provides aircraft painting services for airlines and aviation customers.
IAC Office Manager Diane Mendez explained that Amarillo’s location played an important role in selecting the site for the new hangar.
“We’re smack in the middle of the U.S., so it’s easy for the airlines to get to us,” said Mendez. She also highlighted access to one of the largest runways in the United States as another advantage for the facility.
The new hangar represents an expansion of IAC’s presence in Amarillo and supports the company’s long-term aviation service activities.
Amarillo Location Provides Strategic Aviation Advantages
IAC selected Amarillo due to its central geographic position and airport infrastructure.
According to Mendez, the location allows airlines to efficiently move aircraft to the facility for painting projects. The airport’s runway capabilities also support large aircraft operations.
The company has emphasized productivity and customer satisfaction as factors contributing to the success of its Amarillo operations.
The new hangar will provide additional capacity for aircraft painting projects, including work involving large commercial aircraft.
Aircraft Painting Projects Require Extensive Planning
Aircraft painting involves significant preparation before an aircraft arrives at the facility.
Mendez explained that the process often begins about a year before the scheduled painting work. Airlines must coordinate aircraft availability, remove planes from booking schedules, and arrange service timelines.
IAC begins preparing materials and resources before the aircraft arrives. The company orders required supplies and prepares teams to begin work immediately.
The preparation process ensures that employees have the necessary equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), before starting aircraft painting operations.
Large Aircraft Painting Requires 24-Hour Operations
The time required to complete aircraft painting depends on the size and complexity of the aircraft.
According to Mendez, large aircraft such as Boeing 787s typically require between nine and 12 days for completion. IAC operates continuously during these projects, with day shifts handing work over to night shifts.
Smaller aircraft generally require seven to 10 days to complete.
The company coordinates multiple teams throughout the process to maintain efficiency and meet project schedules.
Aircraft painting projects involve detailed preparation, surface treatment, painting, and finishing activities before the aircraft returns to airline service.
New Hangar Expansion Creates Workforce Opportunities
The Amarillo hangar project will also support workforce growth at IAC.
The company plans to expand its workforce as the facility moves toward completion. IAC provides training opportunities through its painter progression program, which helps employees develop aviation painting skills.
The program is structured around four main career stages:
- Prepper positions that focus on aircraft preparation activities
- Painter apprentice roles that develop technical painting skills
- Master painter positions requiring advanced expertise
- Additional skill levels within each stage that employees must complete to progress
Employees receive wage increases as they successfully complete each stage of the training program.
IAC Develops Aviation Workforce Through Training
IAC’s workforce development approach focuses on creating career pathways for employees entering the aircraft painting industry.
The company provides opportunities for entry-level painters as well as experienced master trainers.
Mendez explained that employees from different backgrounds work together toward a shared goal. She highlighted the company’s buddy system, which pairs new employees with experienced team members to help them adjust and succeed.
The program supports employee development while helping IAC build a skilled workforce for its expanding operations.
IAC Strengthens Relationship With Amarillo Community
Beyond aircraft painting services, IAC is expanding its involvement in the Amarillo community.
The company works with Amarillo College through scholarship initiatives and workforce development programs.
IAC established the Donnie Hammer Memorial Scholarship Fund for A&P mechanics. The program provides full funding for students in the A&P Mechanic Program with the goal of creating future employment opportunities within the company.
Mendez described Amarillo College as a strong partner and highlighted the importance of supporting local education and workforce development.
Hangar Opening Expected to Support Continued Growth
IAC plans to continue hiring ahead of the new hangar opening. The company will hold monthly job fairs until the facility begins operations in September.
The recruitment events include opportunities for interviews and facility tours.
The expansion demonstrates the connection between aviation infrastructure construction and workforce development. The new hangar will provide additional aircraft painting capacity while creating opportunities for employees to develop specialized aviation skills.
Amarillo Aircraft Hangar Project Supports Aviation Infrastructure Growth
The construction of IAC’s new 79,000-square-foot hangar represents an investment in specialized aviation infrastructure at Amarillo International Airport.
By expanding its aircraft painting operations, IAC aims to increase service capacity while supporting airlines that require professional aircraft finishing services. The project also strengthens the company’s workforce pipeline through training programs and partnerships with local education institutions.
As construction progresses toward the planned September opening, the new hangar will become an important addition to Amarillo’s aviation sector and IAC’s broader network of aircraft service facilities.
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