The unveiling of the new Airbus A380 was a landmark in the commercial airline industry. The 555-seat double decker is now the largest aircraft in the sky, easily surpassing both the dimensions and passenger capacity of the Boeing 747. With its arrival, airports around the globe were challenged to modify their infrastructures to accommodate the A380, specifically runways, bridges and sound/blast deflection.

Blast Deflectors, Incorporated (BDI) is one of a few manufacturers of jet blast deflectors in the world. They recently designed and installed their biggest and most durable deflectors to date at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, and hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) was specified as the protective coating. Located just minutes from Manhattan, JFK Airport services nearly 25 million airline passengers annually and is one of the busiest airports in the country. The height of the blast deflector extends above the adjacent parking structure, making it highly visible to travelers and airport personnel. HDG ensures that the deflectors appearance as well as its functionality and structural integrity will be preserved for many years.

BDI has installed deflectors all over the world, and the costs of maintaining their products are a major determinant of the companys profitability. Repainting or repairing a structure could translate into tens of thousands of dollars, depending on where it is located. Since the companys founding, they have always sought out the low-cost solution for corrosion protection, and HDG has proven time and time again to be the answer. HDG eliminates the need to provide constant maintenance of the deflectors over the entire product life cycle that is necessary with other coatings such as paint or powder coating. It is also competitive with these alternatives in terms of initial costs. Furthermore, the quick turnaround the galvanizer was able to provide allowed BDI to meet the rigid construction schedule at JFK Airport. HDGs proven durability was also essential for BDI, as these deflectors must withstand engine thrusts of 115,000 pounds and temperatures up to 750°F. 

BDI has been able to accommodate the aerospace industry in the development and design of its products for over 50 years. Eventually, as the commercial airline industry progresses and the aircraft themselves evolve, the jet blast deflector at JFK Airport will become obsolete and require replacement. With the use of HDG, 100% of the materials used in construction will be recycled and used for future projects, and the chemical properties of both the steel and the zinc used for galvanizing will be preserved. No other coating system can claim such a contribution to environmental sustainability. HDG was the clear choice for BDI.