Why is the air quality on a private jet better than on a commercial plane?

The importance of air quality on planes

Is the air on the plane you are boarding safe?

How clean is the air we breathe when we sit on a plane? How likely am I to get sick if I share the cabin space with somebody who has a bad cold? Can viruses spread on a plane? Answering such questions with confidence has become vital for carriers nowadays. Following the coronavirus pandemic, passengers are starting to ask themselves whether it is still safe to board a plane and what is the contagion's level while travelling.

The good news is that, in combination with a face mask, the air systems on planes ensure excellent levels of air quality. But that’s not all. Due to their smaller dimensions and technology, private jets like the Citation Mustang jets could offer even better air quality than commercial planes.

After a recent Forbes article mentioned that passengers fear the risk of getting ill while travelling, we have highlighted the differences between commercial planes and the air systems used by very light jets (like the Citation Mustang) for you to be able to choose the safest travel means for your journeys.

Commercial airlines' HEPA filters VS very light jets more secure air system

When it comes to air quality, commercial aircraft are equipped with robust filtration systems known as True High-Efficiency Particle Filters (True HEPA) or High-Efficiency Particle Filters (HEPA). These filters allow a complete air exchange within about three minutes, thus resulting in excellent air quality and high protection.

According to IATA, the International Air Transport Association, "HEPA filters are effective at capturing more than 99 per cent of the airborne microbes in the filtered air. Filtered, recirculated air provides higher cabin humidity levels and lower particulate levels than 100% outside air systems." HEPA filters, however, should be regularly maintained to ensure an effective air exchange.

HEPA filters are not exclusive to airlines; they're used in many areas of everyday life, as well as in hospitals and other places where high sanitation is of utmost priority.

How can very light jets ensure the best air quality?

Continuous air cabin circulation ensures fresh air on board at any point in time

The big difference between commercial planes and very light jets is that the latter don’t use any filtration system. The Citation Mustang jet, for example, uses modified engine bleed air to heat, cool, and pressurize the cockpit and cabin. The hot engine bleed air is cooled by heat exchangers, regulated by valves, and enters the cabin.

The outflow valves – which regulate the flow of the air coming out of the cabin, always remain partially open to ensure continuous fresh air circulation thus minimizing the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Biosecurity and due diligence

The importance of adhering to the latest hygiene and safety measures

If it is true that the risk of catching an infection is lower when you are boarding a plane than when you are in a shopping mall, we live in times where each passenger is asked to stick to necessary hygiene measures to protect him/herself and the world around him/her.

Luckily, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been very efficient in providing up-to-date aviation-related information regarding COVID-19 as well as working in synergy with the world’s governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to provide guidance to aviation stakeholders.

As ICAO and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) remind us, there are simple measures each of us can take to reduce the risk of illness further while travelling. It would be best if you always practised hand hygiene by washing them regularly with soap or an alcohol-based sanitizer and not touching face, eyes, nose, and mouth. Also, passengers must not travel when they are ill or experience symptoms of respiratory illnesses.

GlobeAir’s biosecurity measures

Before you board

• We provide on-demand detailed information concerning the status of the pandemic in the country you are planning to visit.
• We have developed a travelling restriction map for you to check any travelling restrictions in place.
• You receive a digital boarding pass to minimize contacts at the airport’s premises
• Any food or drink preferences you wish to consume on board need to be communicated before departure.
• GlobeAir proceeds to deep-clean the aircraft before and after every flight.

While boarding/On board

• GlobeAir arranges on-demand pick-up services with top-notch chauffeurs from your point of departure to your private jet terminal.
• You board from a private jet terminal, away from masses of tourists.
• You may drive to the apron with a private driver who is instructed about social distancing and observes the latest safety measures for your peace of mind.
• All members of the GlobeAir crew wear protective masks.
• The GlobeAir crew is instructed to greet you without shaking hands and will observe the recommended social distance to make you feel comfortable during the whole journey.
• GlobeAir provides hygiene kits for you to use on board.

After landing

• You may away drive from the apron with a private driver who is instructed about social distancing and observes the latest safety measures for your peace of mind
• You exit from a private jet terminal, away from masses of tourists.
• GlobeAir arranges on-demand transfer services with top-notch chauffeurs from your point of arrival to your preferred destination.