Translation note: This article was translated with the assistance of AI.
Airbus has honored Hamburg-based coatings manufacturer Mankiewicz with its 2026 Supplier Award in the “Game Changer” category. The award recognizes a newly developed primer for carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials used on the Airbus A350.
The award was presented at the 2026 Airbus Global Supplier Conference. Through its “Game Changer” category, the aircraft manufacturer recognizes innovations in products, technologies, digital solutions, or services that address existing technical or operational challenges and create new opportunities.
Primer Developed Specifically for A350 Composite Structures
According to Mankiewicz, the award recognizes a next-generation primer developed specifically for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures on the Airbus A350. The company’s announcement does not provide specific details about the primer’s technical properties or improvements over previous products.
Primers form the base layer of a coating system. Their primary function is to ensure reliable adhesion of subsequent paint layers to the component surface. Depending on the application, they may also provide additional protective functions.
Particularly with advanced composite materials such as CFRP, coating systems must be tailored to the properties of the surfaces being coated and the respective manufacturing processes. Mankiewicz develops paint and coating systems for aircraft structural components as well as exterior and interior applications.
Developed in Collaboration with Airbus
Founded in 1895, the family-owned company Mankiewicz develops and manufactures industrial coating systems for a range of industries, including aviation, automotive, and mechanical engineering. The manufacturer employs more than 1,800 people worldwide and operates at 18 locations.
According to the company, the award-winning primer was developed in close collaboration with Airbus engineering and application specialists. Mankiewicz particularly emphasizes rapid development processes and close technical coordination to address new requirements.
This marks the company’s second recognition from Airbus this year. In spring 2026, Mankiewicz received “Accredited Supplier” status under the Airbus Supply Chain & Quality Improvement Program (SQIP) for the fourth consecutive year, according to the company.