Duncan Aviation has developed an STC to enable the installation of Aviation Clean Air (ACA)’s air ionisation system on Bombardier Global types. The air and surface purification system is installed in an aircraft’s existing environmental control system, and is designed to improve air quality throughout the aircraft while also killing pathogens and removing allergens and unpleasant odours.
The STC covers the Global Express, Global Express XRS, Global 5000, Global 5500 and Global 6000 types, and Duncan Aviation is now working on STCs for other makes/models, including a Bombardier Challenger 300/350 slated for a late-October 2020 completion.
“Most of us have always known there were dangerous viruses and bacteria in the world,” said Michael Kussatz, Duncan Aviation’s avionics regional sales manager for eastern USA. “We’ve all heard of the SARS and MERS viruses and drug-resistant bacteria, and now we can add COVID-19 to the list. Avoiding them mostly meant washing our hands often and thoroughly. We researched several products and found that the ACA ionisation system gives pilots and passengers a space where there is a very natural process that deactivates these pathogens, rendering them harmless, as we travel in comfort.”
In May 2020, testing conducted by independent lab Innovative BioAnalysis found the ACA ioniser effective at rendering harmless the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The lab test showed that 99.4% of the virus particles were inactivated within 30 minutes. Duncan Aviation notes the system has been tested and proven to kill the coronavirus that caused SARS as well, and that the ionised hydrogen molecules also deactivate other viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens such as those that cause the common cold, flu (swine, avian, etc.), MRSA, C. diff, E. coli, pneumonia, polio and mould.
In addition to pathogens, the ACA component is designed to neutralise potentially harmful gasses caused by fuel emissions, other VOCs and offensive odours caused by cooking or cleaning, cigarette and cigar smoke, stagnant air and lavatories. Pet odours are also neutralised. The system will also reduce static electricity in aircraft caused by the low relative humidity of the cabin air.
Because installation can typically be completed in less than two weeks, Duncan Aviation can install the ACA air ioniser as a standalone event or as part of scheduled maintenance. The company has three main facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah; as well as 28 satellite shops/workaway stations around the USA.
