Aviation Clean Air (ACA) and International Aero Engineering have partnered to offer the ACA ionisation purification system as a portable ion distribution unit for ground use only for proactively disinfecting aircraft interiors.

The unit utilises the same tested, proven technology as ACA's patented airborne system, which is certified for aircraft installation by FAA supplemental type certification (STC). The new ion distribution unit has been adapted to meet the immediate need for decontaminating aircraft interiors while on the ground. The system provides aircraft operators and service facilities a proven solution to effectively decontaminate aircraft interiors and protect the health of maintenance personnel as well as passengers and crew.

The proactive bipolar ion distribution system kills pathogens and purifies the air and surfaces by pushing air through the cabin and distributing ions throughout the aircraft interior. 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 developed by ACA and International Aero Engineering 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. Ground crew, technicians and other personnel can then confidently enter the aircraft and perform their normal functions. 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,” says Jonathan Saltman, International Aero president and CEO. “The partnership with Aviation Clean Air, which has established industry relationships as well, allows us to provide a much-needed solution to effectively and efficiently deal with the enhanced levels of decontamination being undertaken.”

“Our ionisation purification system has been installed on a variety of aircraft models and is proven to purify the air and surfaces on board,” adds Howard Hackney, ACA managing member. “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.