Aviation Clean Air (ACA) and International Aero Engineering have partnered to offer the ACA Ionization Purification System as a portable ion distribution unit for disinfecting aircraft interiors on the ground. The unit uses the same technology as ACA’s airborne system, which is certified for aircraft installation by FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC), but it has been adapted to meet the immediate need for decontaminating aircraft interiors while on the ground.
The proactive bipolar ion distribution system kills pathogens and purifies air and surfaces by pushing air through the cabin and distributing ions throughout the aircraft interior. According to the partners, the electronically created positive and negative ions form from hydrogen and oxygen molecules in the water vapour present in the air and work as a cleaning agent to purify the air and surfaces. The technology replicates and accelerates nature’s cleaning process that successfully inactivates airborne and surface viruses.
The ground unit is a portable 110 VAC electric-powered ionisation and air blower unit that is placed on the floor of the cabin and activated for a period of time, ranging from one to two hours. Upon completion, the unit is powered off and removed from the aircraft, whereupon the cabin is safe for ground crew, technicians and other personnel to enter the aircraft. In addition to disinfecting and purifying the aircraft, the ionisation unit eliminates the quarantine requirement currently in place at many OEM aircraft maintenance facilities.
“We have been working with aviation manufacturers, operators and service companies for many years, and we know how important it is to them and their customers to continue to keep the industry functioning, while also being vigilant about the current situation,” said Jonathan Saltman, president and CEO of International Aero. “The partnership with Aviation Clean Air, which also has established industry relationships, allows us to provide a much-needed solution to effectively and efficiently deal with the enhanced levels of decontamination being undertaken.”
“Our Ionization Purification System has been installed on a variety of aircraft models and is proven to purify the air and surfaces onboard,” added Howard Hackney, managing member of ACA. “Adapting the system for ground use provides not only effective cleaning and disinfecting of aircraft interiors – it offers a number of advantages. The proactive, natural purification process uses no chemicals and produces no harmful ozone or other emissions. It will also not damage fabrics or carpeting, as other disinfectants potentially could. In addition, it lessens the number of personnel required and downtime needed to conduct a thorough disinfection.”
Both ACA and International Aero Engineering International hold Approved Supplier status from several OEM aircraft manufacturers around the world.
