Aereos Interior Solutions integrates antimicrobial technology into high-touch aircraft interior products

High-touch aircraft interior products manufactured by Aereos Interior Solutions now include integrated antimicrobial technology from BioCote.

It is the first time that antimicrobial technology has been integrated into aeroplane interiors to provide an additional level of hygiene. When containing BioCote technology, Aereos Interior Solutions’ products are certified as greater than 99.8% effective against MRSA and E. coli.

While most aircrafts are fitted with HEPA air filtrations systems, which can remove bacteria and trap dust, fungal spores and viruses, droplets containing microbes can still fall onto high-touch points such as seats, armrests, table trays, window shades and toilets. Regular cleaning of these surfaces is therefore crucial, and airlines clean their aircrafts thoroughly and frequently according to strict industry protocols.

Material degradation, odours and staining are also reduced, helping to extend product life. Once manufactured into a product, BioCote antimicrobial technology acts in minutes and works continuously for the expected lifetime of the treated product; it cannot wear out or wash off.

The technology is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria (including E. coli, MRSA, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria), mould, fungi, and the influenza A H1N1 virus. It has also been proven to reduce a strain of feline coronavirus (Munich) by 90 per cent in two hours.  

BioCote antimicrobial technology is also certified by HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) International and is approved as food contact safe by the US FDA.

David Baker, partner at Aereos Interior Solutions, said: “We are pleased to play a part in helping airlines build passenger confidence by introducing a line of antimicrobial high-touch aircraft parts that work 24/7, during and even between traditional cleanings by the airlines. It has been a combined effort; our innovative proprietary processes and technologies developed over decades by highly skilled engineers working in collaboration with BioCote’s experienced team.”

David Hall, managing director of BioCote, added: “We are proud to be involved in this industry first. BioCote has been active in the transport sector for some time, but our solutions have not been applied to aircraft interiors before.” 

The bacteria that can potentially be found in aeroplane interiors has been highlighted by several studies. One analysis of 100 samples taken from seatbelts, tray tables, headrests, seat pockets and washroom handles found that nearly half of the samples contained high levels of bacteria or yeast and mould. Further research discovered that MRSA survived for 168 hours on seat back pockets, and E. coli for 96 hours on armrests.