US-based MRO company, Constant Aviation, has announced Flexjet as the first aircraft operator to treat its entire fleet with MicroShield 360, an antimicrobial shield product. Flexjet is having its entire fleet of more than 160 aircraft treated, using an electrostatic application process.
MicroShield 360 is an EPA-registered, FDA-approved antimicrobial coating system, claimed to kill 99.99% of bacteria. Constant Aviation is the only aircraft MRO licenced to apply the treatment in private and commercial airline aircraft cabins.
The protocol for MicroShield 360 requires that the aircraft cabin be cleaned thoroughly prior to a three-step treatment. The first step is an electrostatic disinfectant application performed by certified MicroShield 360 applicators. Second, the application of a specially formulated disinfectant to all surfaces, which air-dries within minutes. Finally, the application of a proprietary coating formula that imparts a final biostatic finish to treated surfaces, preventing pathogens from living on them going forward.
According to Constant Aviation the MicroShield 360 coating is clear, colourless, odourless, non-toxic and hypoallergenic and safe for humans and animals, and has been tested for effectiveness and durability.
The coating constantly reduces microbial contamination of bacteria, viruses, mould, algae, yeast, mildew, fungi and odours. The company adds that the treatment can help protect passengers and crew from a range of illnesses including MRSA, E. coli, Norovirus, C. diff, flu strains, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, enveloped viruses including the common cold and more than 90 additional diseases and conditions.
