Enhancing Airport Infrastructure with Specialist Cold-Applied Solutions at East Midlands Airport
The Challenge
Manchester Airports Group faced two significant challenges in maintaining the operational surfaces at East Midlands Airport.
Standard highway maintenance solutions were not designed to endure the extreme conditions of an aviation environment, resulting in operational disruptions and increased costs.
Issue 1: Markings Failing and Not Lasting
The existing runway and taxiway markings were deteriorating rapidly under the harsh aviation environment, requiring frequent reapplication.
This created safety concerns due to reduced visibility and increased maintenance costs from constant repainting cycles.
The First Cold-Applied Solution: ViaLine F217
Meon recommended ViaLine F217, a solvent-based acrylic line marking paint specifically developed for airport runways and taxiways. This specialist solution offered:
- Fast curing properties for minimal operational disruption
- High opacity and visibility for enhanced safety
- Excellent bead retention for long-term reflectivity
- Exceptional durability reducing reapplication frequency
- Reliable application with Graco machines for consistent results
Issue 2: Surface Deterioration from High Traffic and Age
Taxiway and stand surfaces were experiencing damage from heavy aircraft loads, fuel spills, and frequent use. Traditional repair methods resulted in extended downtime and temporary solutions that required repeated interventions.
The Second Cold-Applied Solution: PermaFyx
Working with Allied Infrastructure, who helped to introduce PermaFyx to East Midlands Airport, Meon recommended these specialist cold-applied surface reinstatement solutions that utilise methyl methacrylate (MMA) technology for taxiway and stand repairs.
These materials, with a proven history in high-stress environments like aviation since the 1960s, provided:
- Extremely hard-wearing surfaces resistant to aviation stresses
- Low FOD (Foreign Object Debris) and deterioration risk
- High adhesion to existing substrate for permanent repairs
- Cold application capability for year-round maintenance
- No specialist equipment requirements for straightforward application
The Results
The implementation of ViaLine F217 and the PermaFyx solutions provided a comprehensive and effective answer to the maintenance challenges at East Midlands Airport.
The use of these specialist products significantly enhanced the durability of both the surface markings and the taxiway and stand repairs, leading to a substantial reduction in downtime for maintenance.
This not only improved operational safety and efficiency but also delivered considerable cost savings by extending maintenance intervals and reducing the frequency of interventions.
The project successfully demonstrated how tailored, aviation-specific solutions can overcome the limitations of generic alternatives.
Completely Cold Applied System Utilised
ViaLine F217 Acrylic Airport Grade Line Marking Paint
Spectrum ViaLine F217airport spec solvent based acrylic line marking paint is designed and specified for airport runways and airport taxi lanes.
The product is toluene free, which means it is less harmful to the environment and safer for the user.
It has enhanced binder formulation, giving increased adhesion and high solids content. ViaLine F217 provides enhanced opacity and high bead retention for increased pilot guidance and visibility.
PermaFyx L273 Permanent Asphalt Repair
The MMA (methyl methacrylate) composition ensures excellent adhesion to the substrate and allows for flexibility, ensuring longlasting results.
PermaFyx has exceptional durability, withstanding heavy traffic without rutting, and maintains surface texture, ensuring sustained slip resistance over its lifetime.
