The latest idea to boost passenger confidence during the Covid-19 situation comes from Dutch company, Aviation Glass, which has developed glass screens that can be fitted onto existing commercial aircraft seats to give a greater feeling of social distancing.
The tempered and laminated AeroGlassShield glass screens would be fitted between seats, and meet the stringent requirements imposed by the aviation industry as well the safety regulations of EASA.
Jaap Wiersema, managing director of Aviation Glass explained, “When the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world in March this year, we had already been discussing the application possibilities, including aircraft windows, of our AeroGlass product with several airlines and aerospace OEMs. When the consequences of the corona crisis for the airline industry became clear, various parties in the industry asked us to help them come up with ideas that would allow them to fly without jeopardising the health of passengers and crew.”
The company views the polycarbonate screens currently being used in public transport and shops to be relatively heavy, as well as flammable. Wiersema added, “The AeroGlassShield we developed is lightweight, scratch-resistant and fireproof, and it meets all requirements for aviation use. It is lighter in weight than plexiglass and due to its scratch resistance it is no dirt trap and is much easier to clean.”
According to Wiersema, the AeroGlassShield has received “an enthusiastic response” from airline companies. “Currently, we are in the process of getting this application of AeroGlass approved. We are very positive that it will pass in the short term, as we have been supplying mirrors, room dividers and ceiling lighting system concepts for private jets and commercial aircraft for years now. We hope to equip the first aircraft with the AeroGlassShields between seats this year and thus contribute to the recovery of civilian aviation.”
