How private jets are preparing to fly in a world with a deadly virus

Everything you need to know about the new measures – including aircraft fogging and hospital quality air filters.

In these unprecedented times, most of us are staying indoors while wondering when we can travel. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the lifestyle of many jet setters has been dramatically changed. However, we have to start getting used to a new norm. 

Looking ahead and contemplating a post-pandemic world, the Insignia Team of Experts started preparing for Summer 2020 by answering questions like what kind of holidays will we be taking this season and how the journeys will look like.    

Airlines are doing their part to help travellers to get used to the “new world” – from offering flexible policies to strengthening safety and security procedures. We have been keeping up to date with our numerous flying partners on their improved safety measures, to protect our members and their loved ones.

AIRCRAFT FOGGING 

Standard cleaning procedures have been amplified, with all aircrafts sanitised with a long-term surface disinfectant proven to be effective against Covid-19.

Our partners at VistaJet are using the long-term surface disinfectant Bacoban® to clean the aircraft after each flight. VistaJet states that “this product uses a semi-permanent nanolayer of silica to release anti-pathogen agents that act against infection over an extended period.”

Additionally, some airlines have implemented a new cleaning procedure consisting of disinfection fogging. The process consists of high-grade disinfectant sprayed through a fog machine that aerosolises it so it can coat the air and all surfaces in the cabin.

 HIGH-GRADE AIR FILTERS

Although all of our partners have high-efficiency air filters, during the coronavirus, some are paying even closer attention to their filtering systems. Airflow from ceiling to floor further reduces the potential for transmission. Most aircrafts use HEPA filters, which remove 99.7 per cent of airborne particles. The filters take new air from outside the plane to refresh the cabin. Within three minutes, you get entirely fresh air in the entire cabin.

CABIN CREW PRECAUTIONS

Numerous airlines have taken additional steps along with their partners to strengthen safety and security procedures further. From checking the crew for signs of the virus twice a day to PPE, airlines are focused on enforcing new safety.   

Digital thermometers are now present onboard every aircraft to allow the crew to register their temperature and report to Operations in case it is above 37.5°C. 

In between flights, crew members follow strict procedures to protect themselves. If they are staying at a hotel, their rooms must be thoroughly sanitised.

Some operators have gone even further to protect passengers and crew between flights. The US operator Flexjet that includes PrivateFly as part of the Directional Aviation group of companies has set up ‘Project Lift’ within the United States. The project gives pilots and flight crew private jet travel when connecting to their next job so that they avoid using commercial airlines.

Travelling is the industry of human happiness and although, the effects of COVID19 on the sector have been swift, we at Insignia looking forward to redesigning the architecture of holidays. Our members will recalibrate their dreams in a way that is safer to the planet and themselves, whilst our commitment remains and is unwavering – we will continue to provide luxury tailor-made travel experiences where safety is sacrosanct.