ICAO, emanati standards per operare nell'era del COVID-19

Aircraft Module 

The aircraft module contains specific guidance addressing boarding processes, seat assignment processes, baggage, interaction on board, environmental control systems, food and beverage service, lavatory access, crew protection, management of sick passengers or crew members, and cleaning and disinfection of the flight deck, cabin, and cargo compartment.

The elements of this module are listed below.

Aircraft-Module---Passenger-and-Crew-–-General

Aircraft-Module---Disinfection-–-Flight-Deck

Aircraft-Module---Disinfection-–-Passenger-Cabin

Aircraft-Module---Disinfection-–-Cargo-compartment

Aircraft-Module---Disinfection-–-Maintenance

Aircraft-Module---Air-System-Operations

Aircraft Module - Air System Operations 

To minimize people generated contaminant concentrations during ground and flight operations, the aircraft manufacturers recommends maximizing total cabin airflow and care should be taken to avoid blocking air vents (particularly along the floor).  These are general recommendations for cabin air considerations and there may be exceptions for specific aircraft models.  It is strongly recommended that operators consult with the Aircraft OEM for questions specific to an aircraft type.

Considerations

Ground Operations (before chocks-off and after chocks-in)​

Avoid operations without the air conditioning Packs or external Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) source.  External air sources are not processed through a HEPA filter.  The aircraft APU should be permitted to be used at the gate to enable the aircraft’s air conditioning system to be operated, if equivalent filtration from PCA is not available.

If the aircraft has an air recirculation system, but does not have HEPA filters installed, refer to OEM published documents or contact the OEM to determine the recirculation system setting.

It is recommended that fresh air and recirculation systems be operated to exchange the volume of cabin air before boarding.

For those aircraft with air conditioning, run the air conditioning packs (with bleed air provided by APU or engines) or supply air via external Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) source at least 10 minutes prior to the boarding process, throughout boarding and during disembarkation.

For aircraft with HEPA filters, run the recirculation system to maximize flow through the filters.

For those aircraft without air condition system, keep aircraft doors open during turnaround time to facilitate cabin air exchange (passengers’ door, service door and cargo door).

Flight Operations

Operate Environmental Control Systems with all Packs in AUTO and recirculation fans on.

Valid only if HEPA recirculation air filters are confirmed to be installed.

If non-HEPA filters are installed, contact the Aircraft OEM for recommendations on recirculation settings.

If the aircraft in-flight operating procedure calls for packs to be off for take-off, the packs should be switched back on as soon as thrust performance allows.

MEL Dispatch:

Fully operational air conditioning packs and recirculation fans provides the best overall cabin ventilation performance.  It is recommended to minimize dispatch with packs inoperative. It is recommended to minimize dispatch with recirculation fans inoperative for aircraft equipped with HEPA filter.

Some aircraft have better airflow performance with all outflow valves operational. It is recommended the contact with the OEM about the ventilation performance of the aircraft with outflow valves inoperative and the limitations associated with the dispatch in this situation.

High Flow (max Bleed) Switch:

If the aircraft has an option for high flow operation, contact the OEM for setting recommendations.

For example:

Boeing recommends that airlines select High Flow Mode for 747-8, MD-80 and MD-90 aircraft, as this will maximize total ventilation rate in the cabin.  Note that this will increase fuel burn.  However, for the 747-400 and 737, High Flow Mode should NOT be selected as this does not result in an increase in total ventilation rate.  For all models, recirculation fans should remain on (when HEPA filters are installed).

Sick Passenger Positioning:

Separate the ill person from the other passengers by minimum of 1 meter (usually about two seats left empty in all directions, depending on the cabin design) from the seat occupied by the suspected case. Where possible this should be done by moving other passengers away.

Filter Maintenance:

Follow normal maintenance procedures as specified by the OEM. Please take note of special protection and handling of filters when changing them.

Contact OEM or refer to OEM published document to check if an additional sanitization procedure and/or personnel health protection is required to avoid microbiological contamination in the filter replacement area. 

Means for uniform implementation

OEM communication through ICCAIA and OEM communication with airlines

Use the Aircraft COVID-19 Disinfection Control Sheet (PHC Form 2) or a similar one when appropriate