Boeing Approves Next-Gen AeroTron Solvents, Signaling Shift in Aerospace Cleaning Standards

Reliance Specialty Products, a longtime leader in vapor degreasing solutions, has announced Boeing’s official approval of two new solvents, AeroTron-AV-5408 and AeroTron-GS-5408, under the revised BAC 5408 specification. This milestone marks a significant advancement in aerospace-grade cleaning chemistry, offering high-performance alternatives to legacy solvents now facing regulatory phase-outs.

Reliance Specialty Products is the aerospace industry leader in vapor degreasing equipment and solvents.

Replacing Legacy Solvents with Safer, Smarter Chemistry

The AeroTron solvents are engineered to replace traditional chlorinated compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE), methylene chloride (MC), perchloroethylene (Perc), and 1-bromopropane (nPB), many of which are now banned or under scrutiny due to health and environmental risks. With Boeing’s approval, these new formulations are poised to become industry standards for vapor degreasing in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance.

  • AeroTron-AV-5408: An HFE-based solvent with a strong safety and regulatory profile, designed to replace TCE, nPB, MC, and Perc.
  • AeroTron-GS-5408: The first HFO-based solvent to receive BAC 5408 approval, representing a leap forward in non-PFAS degreasing technology.

Both solvents are compatible with metals, plastics, and elastomers, and notably, are unrestricted for use on titanium, a critical material in aerospace structures.

Regulatory and Environmental Advantages

The AeroTron solvents are not classified as PFAS under the Clean Water Drinking Act or the Toxic Release Reporting Act, and they are not regulated under NESHAP or by the U.S. Department of Transportation for transport. All components are approved under the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) for cleaning applications.

This positions AeroTron-AV-5408 and GS-5408 as ideal choices for aerospace firms seeking compliance with tightening environmental regulations while maintaining cleaning efficacy and material compatibility.

A Timely Pivot for Aerospace Maintenance

With the September 2025 ban on TCE for industrial use now in effect, Boeing’s endorsement of these next-generation solvents couldn’t be timelier. Aerospace manufacturers and MRO teams face mounting pressure to adopt safer, more sustainable cleaning agents without compromising performance. Reliance’s AeroTron line offers a compelling solution, blending regulatory foresight with technical reliability.

The shift also reflects a broader industry trend toward integrated chemical and equipment solutions. Reliance Specialty Products is unique in offering both vapor degreasing solvents and equipment, including its ULTRA systems, along with training, lab services, and long-term technical support.

Local Impact and Industry Relevance

Headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois, Reliance’s continued innovation reinforces the Midwest’s role in aerospace supply chain modernization. For Colorado-based aerospace stakeholders, including those in Colorado Springs and along the Front Range, the availability of Boeing-approved, non-PFAS solvents offers a practical path toward compliance and operational excellence.

Matthew Turner has made a career of managing hyper-growth companies. He is the Founder and President of Boston Turner Group., a consulting firm focused on providing entrepreneurs with a proven, systematic and repeatable approach to achieving and maintaining growth. Readers of The Distribution Pricing Journal probably know him best through his history in distribution technology as the top marketing executive for organizations like the Infor Distribution Group, Accellos, NxTrend, Mercury Payments, Atrium Capital Group and others. He's also the leader of the American Mensa special interest group Marketing Genius and sits on a couple of marketing think tanks, namely Prodigy Works and the Mensa Process.

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