Flying Eye Hospital takes off with support from AkzoNobel

The world’s only Flying Eye Hospital – which takes doctors around the world to treat patients with curable blindness – has been repainted with support from AkzoNobel. Operated by Orbis, a non-profit organisation that transports medical experts to developing countries, the DC-10 houses a fully equipped ophthalmic hospital and a 48-seat classroom. The aircraft was recently given new livery, with AkzoNobel supplying all the coatings.

"It’s a privilege to be involved with an organisation that can make such a difference to everyday life,” said John Griffin, Regional Director – North America for AkzoNobel’s Specialty Coatings business. "By providing essential protection for the aircraft, we believe we’re helping Orbis to make life more liveable and inspiring for people all over the world.”

Bob Ranck, President and CEO of Orbis International, added: "We are incredibly grateful to AkzoNobel for the generous donation of the paint. We are thrilled with how our new Flying Eye Hospital looks. We could not operate our plane without the incredible support of our sponsors."

AkzoNobel began working on the project late last year. The high performance coatings specified for the aircraft included supplying the company’s latest base coat/clear coat system, as well as various other products for the wings and horizontal stabilisers.

The new livery was applied in San Bernadino, California, before the aircraft was unveiled at a special ceremony in Los Angeles.