Aereos Interior Solutions, one of the divisions of Aereos Inc., a global provider of aircraft parts, MRO services and component manufacturing, has announced that the BioCote antimicrobial built into Aereos’ high-touch aircraft interior products has been confirmed effective by an independent microbiological testing laboratory.
Aereos Interior Solutions manufactures aircraft interior components ranging from galley carts and coffee makers to lavatory parts and cabin products. The commercially available antimicrobial silver ion technology was tested over a 24-hour period and certified as greater than 99.8 percent effective against odor and stain-causing microbes.
The technology is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria (including E. coli, MRSA, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria), mould, fungi and the influenza A H1N1 virus. It has also been proven to reduce a strain of feline coronavirus (Munich) by 90% in two hours. Tests carried out by an independent microbiological testing laboratory have certified that Aereos Interior Solutions products containing BioCote technology are greater than 99.8% effective against MRSA and E. coli.
The bacteria that can potentially be found in aeroplane interiors has been highlighted by several studies. One analysis3 of 100 samples taken from seatbelts, tray tables, headrests, seat pockets and washroom handles found that nearly half of the samples contained high levels of bacteria or yeast and mould. Another study4 analysed 13 samples from airports and aeroplanes; nine returned positive results of high levels of microbes, with tray tables harbouring the highest amount of bacteria. Further research5 discovered that MRSA survived for 168 hours on seat back pockets and E. coli for 96 hours on armrests.
While the company cautions that BioCote technology does not protect against disease-causing bacteria, germs, viruses, or other harmful organisms, it does reduce odor and staining causing microbes on high-touch interior surfaces and cut down on cross-contamination from surface to surface.
“We are pleased to play a part in helping airlines build passenger confidence by introducing a line of antimicrobial high-touch aircraft parts that work 24/7, during and even between traditional cleanings by the airlines,” said David Baker, who is a partner at Aereos. “
