AVIC Cabin Systems (ACS) is addressing the issues raised by the Covid pandemic to help make the aircraft cabin environment safer and more hygienic for passengers and crew alike.
With the UK unlocking, and the air travel industry reopening, passengers are keen to travel again, in a Covid-secure manner. Three companies within the ACS group have announced hygiene-focused innovations, and further products are in the development stage.
FACC has introduced Pure Cabin, an antimicrobial surface coating; AIM Altitude is raising awareness of the protective health benefits of ARCA, a hygienic boxed-meal system; and Thompson Aero Seating has launched the VantageSolo, a fully flat-bed for single-aisle aircraft that aids social distancing.
Pure Cabin
Pure Cabin effectively and sustainably frees surfaces from all types of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The permanent photocatalytic surface solution by FACC is based on the TiO2 plus metal complex and was developed for line-fit cabin products and retrofit cabin applications. No pre- or post-treatment of the surfaces is required outside the guidance on routine aircraft cleaning and there is no need for a UV light source, as the active component is triggered by the normal cabin light.
Pure Cabin can be applied to all types of surface: laminates, leather, metal, injection molding, fabrics, and other materials. With no toxic or biocide-based substances, The coating is harmless to health and guarantees that virtually all viruses are eliminated in less than 10 minutes. The Pure Cabin solution is simply applied to the surface after cleaning and left to work for five minutes. A special lamp is supplied to check that all areas have been reached. The effectiveness of the coating has been checked and confirmed by a professional, standardised ISO procedure, carried out by independent laboratories such as OFI in Vienna. The treatment lasts for at least one year.
ARCA
ARCA is an innovative galley system that introduces a new, hygienic boxed-meal system instead of set-meal trays. While the concept saves weight, creates space, and is environmentally friendly, it is its hygiene credentials that have now come to the fore.
The ARCA galley comprises aesthetically pleasing refrigerated aisle stowage units, catering for the same number of passengers within a smaller footprint. Utilising individual sealed boxes for both chilled and hot food, the ARCA system results in minimal handling and less interaction with open food content. The boxes double as closing waste-containers, which aids recycling and diverts waste from landfills, and has the advantage of reducing crew contact with left-over food and used utensils.
VantageSolo
Thompson Aero Seating’s VantageSolo seat offers a fully horizontal flat-bed for single-aisle aircraft, from only a 33in seat pitch. Vitally, under new Covid concerns, there is direct aisle-access for every seat, which can be configured with either an open aisle end, a fixed privacy screen, or a full-function suite door. This not only offers an exclusive business-class seating experience normally only the preserve of a wide-body cabin, but also greater social distancing.
The reverse herringbone configuration of the VantageSolo locates passengers away from the aisle and therefore minimises accidental contact with passengers and crew who are walking up and down the aisle. When passengers are in the bed position for sleeping, their head is away from the aisle, which reduces the likelihood of person-to-person transmission of any germs and improves passengers’ ability to get a good night’s sleep, with fewer disturbances.
Group innovation
ACS leading the way with Covid-related innovations is another example of how well we come together as a group of companies to provide all essential aspects for the aircraft interior. In this instance, FACC has taken the high-tech route to contribute to flight safety and hygiene, while AIM Altitude and Thompson Aero Seating have used creative design and inventive engineering to find a solution to the issues. With such innovation at the forefront of our industry, positive flying experiences are back at the top of the agenda.
