Jet Linx has implemented the BioprotectUs system in its aircraft and private terminals for protection against harmful microorganisms, including algae, bacteria, fungi and mould. The antimicrobial formulation used was proven by two centres of excellence of the Global Virus Network (GVN) to kill and provide residual surface protection against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, for more than six weeks.

The extensive independent laboratory tests were announced by the GVN, a coalition comprised of the world's preeminent human and animal virologists from 53 centres of excellence and 10 affiliates in 32 countries. Led by the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Australia and the Rega Medical Research Institute of KU Leuven in Belgium, both centres of excellence used high containment virology facilities to independently conduct extensive tests on a Bioprotect formulation to study its effects on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity on various surfaces.

“Safety is always our utmost priority, and there has never been a more significant impetus to utilise groundbreaking technologies such as the BioprotectUs system in order to safeguard our clients, flight crews and ground personnel,” states president and CEO of Jet Linx Jamie Walker. “We are delighted to learn that ViaClean Technologies' proprietary formula is effective in protecting against this devastating virus and believe that our ongoing application of the BioprotectUs system will enable us to navigate the road to recovery more confidently and rapidly.

“As individuals begin to return to travel with an increased focus on health and wellness, we are proud to offer a private jet solution that provides travellers both peace of mind and a guaranteed standard of safety.”

GVN president Christian Bréchot adds: “The results of the tests conducted by the Doherty and the Rega Institutes clearly demonstrate that Bioprotect eradicates SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and provides continuous residual antimicrobial protection for an extended period of time. It is clear that effective antimicrobials will be extremely important in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, given the time it will take to implement mass vaccination and fully develop novel therapies. In this context, we are not aware of any microbicide surface treatment that continuously prohibits the growth and surface transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 for an extended period of time. This represents a significant breakthrough in inhibiting the spread of COVID-19 by preventing surfaces from being contaminated by the virus and stopping the spread of the virus through contact with contaminated surfaces.

“Identifying and exploring innovative solutions, as well as fostering and facilitating collaboration between academic and industrial partners, be it large pharmaceutical firms or small biotech companies, is one of several ways the GVN can make a consequential contribution to the fight against COVID-19.”

Jet Linx says it is the first operator to utilise the BioprotectUs system, which encompasses an array of EPA registered and FDA compliant technologies that disinfect and provide long-term antimicrobial protection against problematic bacteria, fungi, algae and mould. In addition, Jet Linx has installed Bioprotect hand purifier dispensers in each of its 19 private, client-only base terminals and now offers Bioprotect hand purifier inflight on its fleet of jet aircraft.