Embraer has released technical guidance for the use of UV-C lighting for cockpit sanitisation, as well as the use of disinfectants and coatings in the cabins of its commercial aircraft. According to these specifications, the use of UV-C lights in the flight deck area will eliminate the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Regarding disinfectants, an approved list has been drawn up for chemicals that are compatible with aircraft cabin materials, developed based on extensive testing and ease of application for all surfaces in the passenger cabin and cockpit.
Embraer has also approved the use of MicroShield360 and Bacoban, long-lasting preventive coating systems that, when applied to aircraft cabin surfaces, continuously inhibit the growth of microorganisms, viruses and bacteria. The combination of these new features, with the existing cabin environment technologies, can result in a higher level of protection for passengers.
“The main goal of this guidance is to effectively eliminate or inactivate a microorganism or virus in the flight deck and the passenger cabin through an effective, yet easy procedure,” said Johann Bordais, president & CEO of Embraer Services & Support.
The document includes guidance for the EMB120 Brasilia, the ERJ 145, the E-Jets, and the E-Jets E2 families of commercial aircraft. Currently, there are more than 100 customers flying a fleet of almost 2,500 Embraer commercial aircraft in more than 80 countries.
Other Covid-19 guidance, and hygiene and safety measures
In December 2020, Embraer released technical guidance to assist customers in defining the transportation characteristics and payload requirements for the Covid-19 vaccines when using the company’s commercial aircraft. The transport of these vaccines requires low temperatures, which are maintained using dry ice. An Embraer aircraft can transport over 100,000 doses of vaccines, depending on the aircraft configuration and containers used. That guidance includes technical information, such as how operators can load and unload each aircraft.
Regarding Embraer’s products, the company has released a Service Bulletin that allows ERJ 145 operators to install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which are standard on all versions of the E-Jets and E-Jets E2 families of commercial aircraft. HEPA filters are claimed to capture 99.97% of airborne particles and other biological contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. This technology is also available on Embraer Executive Jets, with the HEPA filter now standard on both the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600.
