The needlepoint bipolar ionisation (NPBI) technology that powers Aviation Clean Air's (ACA) airborne and ground-use purification systems has demonstrated successful neutralisation by ionisation of the COVID-19 virus. Laboratory tests were conducted by Innovative Bioanalysis in a test setting designed to replicate the ionisation conditions of corporate and commercial aircraft interiors. The results showed neutralisation began immediately and that up to 99.4 per cent of the virus was inactivated within 30 minutes.

The ACA airborne system is a patented ionisation purification system certified by the FAA for aircraft installation. The system, which operates through the aircraft's existing environmental control system (ECS) and functions automatically whenever the ECS is running, immediately improves interior air quality, eliminates odours and kills pathogens in the air and on surfaces wherever they live throughout the cabin and cockpit of the aircraft. The ion distribution unit for ground use only was developed by ACA and International Aero Engineering (IAE) to proactively decontaminate aircraft interiors while on the ground. The ground unit utilises the same technology as the airborne system.

“This phase of the testing demonstrated the neutralisation of the surface strain of the virus,” says Jonathan Saltman, International Aero Engineering president and CEO. “Aerosolised testing as well as additional testing with various times and concentration of ion levels is currently underway.”

The proprietary NPBI technology utilised in our ground and airborne systems was developed and patented by Global Plasma Solutions. NPBI works by leveraging an electronic charge to create a high concentration of positive and negative ions. These ions travel through the air continuously seeking out and attaching to particles, which sets in motion a continuous pattern of particle combination. As these particles become larger, they are eliminated from the air more rapidly. Additionally, positive and negative ions have microbicidal effects on pathogens, ultimately reducing the infectivity of the virus.

“NPBI is ozone-free and the only one in its category to pass the RCTA DO-160 standard for aircraft,” states ACA managing member Howard Hackney. “Traditional bipolar ionisation systems produce harmful ozone as a byproduct. Our system is a proactive, natural purification process that produces no harmful ozone or chemicals and requires no maintenance.”

“The results of the testing are extremely encouraging,” concludes Saltman. “We see this is as an important step for both commercial and business jet travel in restoring the confidence of passengers and crew.”