Video, pictures: Dubai’s Emirates intensifies aircraft cleaning process

Dubai airline Emirates has intensified the cleaning process onboard its aircraft beyond ‘industry and regulatory requirements’ in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, it announced on Sunday.

On all aircraft departing from its hub in Dubai, Emirates has implemented complete disinfection of all cabins as a precaution. Since the Covid-19 virus is primarily believed to be transmitted by touch, Emirates is focusing on surface cleaning.

The airline said it is using “an approved chemical that is proven to kill viruses and germs, leaves a long-lasting protective coating against new contamination of viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces, and is eco-friendly”.

The cleaning process includes a wipe down of all surfaces – from windows, tray tables, seatback screens, armrests, seats, in-seat controls, panels, air vents and overhead lockers in the cabin, to lavatories, galleys and crew rest areas.

Normal procedures such as changing head rest covers on all seats, replacement of reading materials, and vacuuming are also ongoing.

The cleaning process, which has to be completed within an hour, requires a team of 18 trained cleaners on a Boeing 777, and a team of 36 for an A380.

In a 24-hour period on an average day, some 248 aircraft go through this process, the airline stated.

On any aircraft that were found to have transported a suspected or confirmed Covid-19 case, Emirates is implementing deep cleaning and disinfection in a process that takes between six to eight hours to complete.

This includes the defogging of cabin interiors and misting with disinfectant across all soft furnishings, and replacement of seat covers and cushions in the affected area. The aircraft’s HEPA cabin air filters will also be replaced, the statement said.

All of Emirates’ aircraft are fitted with HEPA cabin air filters “which are proven to filter out 99.97 per cent of viruses”. They also remove dust, allergens and microbes from the air recirculated into the cabin and cockpit.

The aviation industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, which has spread to over 90 countries with more than 105,000 confirmed cases.

Global revenue losses for airlines’ passenger business could reach up to $113bn this year due to the impact of the coronavirus, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said.

Read: Passenger airline industry could lose up to $113bn due to coronavirus – IATA