Oxide scale formed on HVAF-sprayed NiCoCrAlY coatings and the effect of surface treatment were investigated by a multi-approach study combining photo-stimulated luminescence, microstructural observation and mass gain. The initial oxidationbehaviour of as-sprayed, polished and shot-peened coatings at 1000 °C is studied. Both polished and shot-peened coatings exhibited superior performance due to rapid formation of α-Al2O3 fully covering the coating and suppressing the growth of transient alumina, assisted by a high density of α-Al2O3 nuclei on surface treatment induced defects. Moreover, the fast development of a two-layer alumina scale consisting of an inward-grown inner α-Al2O3 layer and an outer layer transformed from outward-grown transient alumina resulted in a higher oxide growth rate of the as-sprayed coating.