AIRCRAFT CLEANING SERVICES

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Aircraft cleaning refers to the comprehensive process of cleaning and sanitising the interior and exterior of an aircraft. It involves the use of professional cleaning techniques and special products to effectively remove dirt, grime, and contaminants from various surfaces within the aircraft cabin. A regular aircraft cabin cleaning process includes seats, floors, windows, trays, lavatories/toilets, galleys, overhead compartments, and the kitchen area.

The primary objective of aircraft cleaning extends beyond the mere preservation of the aircraft’s visual aesthetics. It focuses on keeping interior clean to prevent the spread of viruses, germs, and diseases among passengers and crew. By following strict cleaning rules, aircraft cleaning helps create a safe and germ-free environment inside the plane.

To achieve these goals, the task of aircraft cleaning is entrusted to trained specialists who possess an extensive understanding of the unique challenges associated with cleaning aircraft interiors. These professionals possess specialised knowledge and expertise in employing appropriate cleaning techniques, utilising industry-approved disinfectants, and employing state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

Why Clean Aircraft?

Cleanliness of an aircraft holds significant value, contributing to passengers’ overall satisfaction and enhancing their travel experience. A well-maintained and pristine aircraft not only brings a sense of joy to passengers but also ensures their comfort and creates a cozy ambiance, and a healthy environment throughout the journey.

Notably, passenger reviews consistently highlight the important effect of a clean aircraft on their happiness and satisfaction. They often give a top rating of five stars to the airline or specific journey because of the cleanliness, even above other services provided.

Importance of Aircraft Cleaning

Aircraft cleaning is crucial for several reasons:

Hygiene and Health: Given the high volume of passengers traveling on aircraft, the potential for the spread of viruses, germs, and other pathogens is significant. Proper cleaning and disinfection help mitigate these risks, creating a healthier environment for passengers and crew.

Regulatory Compliance: Aviation authorities and health agencies often have stringent guidelines and regulations related to aircraft cleanliness and sanitation that airlines must adhere to.

Passenger Satisfaction: A clean and well-maintained aircraft enhances the overall passenger experience, contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Aircraft Maintenance: Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and corrosive substances, which can prolong the lifespan of aircraft components and maintain their functionality.

Germs and Pathogens in the Aircraft

The enclosed cabin environment of an aircraft serves as an optimal breeding ground for microbial pathogens, creating potential germ transfer points that can infect anyone in contact. The presence of even a single infected crew member or passenger in the cabin can lead to the transmission of germs onto the aircraft’s interior surfaces, subsequently putting all other individuals who come into contact at risk of infection.

Various pathogens and viruses, including Coronavirus (COVID-19), MRSA, E-Coli, and Hepatitis, have been identified on the interior surfaces of aircraft. To address this critical concern, a professional cleaning service utilises a biocidal cleaning solution specifically designed to eliminate these microbial pathogens, ensuring a thorough cleansing process that leaves the aircraft environment clean and safe for all passengers and crew members.

Benefits of Cleaning and Detailing 

•  Enhance longevity and performance, preventing costly repairs or replacements.
•  Improve passenger comfort and create a cozy atmosphere.
•  Eliminate germs and reduce the risk of illness.
•  Generate long-term cost savings through preventive maintenance.

Aircraft Valeting VS Aircraft Detailing

There is a common misconception that aircraft valeting and aircraft detailing are distinct services; however, they both refer to the same process of aircraft cleaning. The terminology varies by country, with “aircraft valeting” used in the UK and “aircraft detailing” in the USA. In essence, they entail the same comprehensive cleaning and maintenance procedures for aircraft, regardless of the term used.

Features of Valeting and Cleaning Service

•  Specialised cleaning equipment and effective antibacterial disinfectants ensure optimal cleanliness and hygiene.
•  Comprehensive method statements and risk assessments.
•  Security-cleared and uniformed staff.
•  State-of-the-art management and tracking system.
•  Affordable pricing with great value.

Aircraft Interior Cabin Cleaning

Aircraft interior cleaning also is known as aircraft detailing service is the act of performing a thorough cleaning, restoration, and finishing. Interior detailing involves a deep cleaning of the whole interior cabin including galley, toilet compartments, passenger cabins, and flight deck. The purpose of inside cabin cleaning is to avoid health risks, restore the interior beauty, remove the offensive ordor, and to avoid the spread of dirt and contaminations within the aircraft.

Our aircraft interior cleaning is a full package of service that includes labour, materials, and equipment. The company uses high-quality specialised equipment and cleaning solutions to meet the airlines and aviation industry cleaning regulatory standards.

Interior Cleaning

Interior Cleaning includes the vacuuming of carpets and seats, spot cleaning of stains in carpeting, seats and headliner; also cleaning the cockpit displays and gauges, interior windows, wall panels, countertops, lavatory seat and deck, entranceway steps and handrails and emptying the trash. The lavatory and galley cabinets and drawers require cleaning as well.

Aircraft Windows

The aircraft windows are normally made of glass or plastic and can be easily damaged during the cleaning process. It is therefore highly recommended that brushes and abrasive clothes shall not be used for such type of cleaning. The correct way of aircraft window cleaning is to use clean, soft, lint-free cloths that are specially designed and approved for aircraft or sensitive environment glass or transparent plastic cleaning. Along with the approved and recommend cleaning products, the aircraft window cleaning is carried out using the aircraft manufacturer’s procedures outlined especially for window cleaning.

Aircraft Cockpit

Aircraft cockpit cleaning involves vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the aircraft instruments and display screens. All components of the aircraft cockpit are cleaned with attention to details but with care to avoid damaging the expensive components. Only clean, soft, lint-free cloths and dust brushes are used on aircraft instruments and displays. Only approved anti-static fluids are sprayed onto instruments and displays.

Aircraft headliner

The aircraft headliners require spot cleaning. Areas are tested prior to cleaning to ensure the cleaning agent do not stain the headliner. Some headliners require dry cleaning agents only and will stain if a water-based product is used. We determine the special cleaning requirements for the headliner before the headliner is cleaned.

Interior Paneling and Siding

The interior panelling and siding varies with each aircraft but requires regular cleaning. Before cleaning areas are tested to determine if the panelling will stain. Silks/ delicates, fire blocked fabrics, and upholstery is cleaned using mild and recommended cleaning solutions.

Aircraft Carpets

Routine cleaning of the carpets is accomplished with a vacuum followed with spot cleaning. Semi-annually, the carpets are cleaned using a hot water extraction machine and a mild detergent pre-spray. The pre-spray shall is rinsed with a mild acid rinse approved for carpet cleaning. All soap residues are rinsed out with care not to wet the carpet backing. After cleaning, carpet blowers is installed to speed up the drying time. It is critical that the carpet backing does not get wet. If the carpet backing gets wet, corrosion may result on the aircraft floorboards. The aircraft carpet deep cleaning attempt to remove carpet stains such as coffee, grease and oils, and common food or drink spots.

An aircraft’s interior has almost as many elements to battle against as the exterior, with heavy use, damage and general wear and tear taking their toll. With so much time spent in contact with the fabrics and leather, it’s important to keep them in prime condition.

Our superior service will bring out the best in your aircraft’s interior. Great care is given to every small detail, from fabrics and leathers, to woods, carpets and plastics, and only the best quality products are used.

Our Interior services include:

• Post-Flight Turnaround
• Basic Interior Clean
• Standard Interior Valet
• Ultimate Interior Detail
• Carpet Shampoo
• Leather Care
• Fabric Clean
• Cockpit Clean
• Galley Clean
• Decontamination Services
  (Includes Disinfection)
• Desinsection Treatment

Aircraft Exterior Surface Cleaning

Aircraft exterior cleaning also is known as aircraft exterior detailing service involves restoring the original condition of the surface of the aircraft. The exterior cleaning can be carried out using a water wash, just wash, or simply wiping the aircraft with spray cleaner and cloth. The purpose of exterior cleaning is to remove dirt, bugs, exhaust streaks, oil stains and spots from the outer surface of the aircraft body which helps to enhance the physical appearance of the aircraft and enhances the lifespan of the aircraft exterior body, paintwork, and associated components.

Aircraft Polishing Unpainted and Painted Surfaces

The aircraft unpainted surfaces, known as brightwork, require polishing to remove surface corrosion and to enhance their appearance. These areas are polished when oxidation begins to appear using an orbital buffer or by hand with a non-abrasive cleaning/polishing solution. Surrounding painted and plastic exterior surfaces (such as light lenses) are masked off to prevent damage. Surfaces are left with a mirror-like finish and all debris associated with polishing is removed. Painted surfaces require polishing to protect the high gloss exterior finish of the entire aircraft and in specific areas to remove stubborn stains, typically around exhaust areas.

Aircat Polishing Unpainted Aluminium

Polishing unpainted aluminium is a must job when considering aircraft exterior cleaning. All areas are polished including the leading edges of the aircraft wings, horizontal and vertical stabilisers, engine inlets, and the cockpit window frames. The areas are masked off to prevent damage to painted surfaces. The aluminum is polished either by hand or by using orbital buffers, non-abrasive pads and a non-abrasive aluminum cleaning polish. All exterior cleaning processes meet the manufacturer’s specifications.

Cleaning Methods

For aircraft exterior cleaning there are three major methods; wet wash, dry wash, and polishing. Polishing can be either done manually by hand or the polishing activity can be performed using specialized mechanical polishing machines. The cleaning service that you choose will give you the extent of soiling and the final desired appearance in the result.

Wet Wash

The aircraft wet wash is useful for removing oil, grease, or carbon deposits and most soils. This method, however, can add very little or no value to the remediation of corrosion and oxide films. In this method cleaning components are sprayed or moped over the aircraft exterior and then high water pressure wash is used to rinse the surface of the aircraft. Predominantly, alkaline or emulsion cleaning products can be used in this method of cleaning.

Dry Wash

The aircraft dry wash is used when the goal is to remove airport film, dust, and small accumulations of dirt and soil. Dry wash is used in cases when the use of liquids is not suitable. This is important to understand that dry wash method is not suitable for removing heavy deposits of carbon, grease, or oil, especially in the engine exhaust areas. Dry wash materials are applied with spray, mops, or cloths, and removed by dry mopping or wiping with clean, dry cloths.

Polishing

Polishing restores the lustre to painted and unpainted surfaces of the aircraft and is usually performed after the surfaces have been cleaned. Polishing is also used to remove oxidation and corrosion. Polishing materials are available in various forms and degrees of abrasiveness. It is important that the aircraft manufacturer’s instructions be used in specific applications.

Cleaning Standards

All cleaning work meet the standards required by the airlines and is accomplished in conformance with approved and accepted standards of the industry; equipment manufacturers. All applicable building and safety codes, as well as the aircraft manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and servicing instructions, are followed.

All aircraft battle with the elements of a harsh environment, in the air and on the ground. Our bespoke service prevents lasting damage and keeps your aircraft in top condition, helping to protect its asset value.

Our method of dry washing your aircraft by hand means as thorough a clean as possible is given. Every surface is seen to with the upmost of care and attention to detail.

Whether it’s a general post-flight clean or a full detail, we use Aviation Approved products and sterile microfibre cloths, ensuring your aircraft is protected throughout the process.

Our Exterior services included:

• Maintenance Tech Wash
• Post-Flight Clean
• External Dry Wash
• External Wet Wash
• External Wash and Polish
• Paint Compound / Restoration
• Paint Sealant / Coating
• Full External Detail

Our teams use specialist polishing machines and the finest metal polishes to keep your aircraft’s brightwork looking its best. Our service prevents corrosion and removes scratches to give that Vertigo shine.

Aircraft Disinfection Procedures

An aircraft disinfection procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organisation to help workers carry out the cleaning and disinfection operations. The standard operating procedure (SOP) of aircraft disinfection aims to achieve efficiency, quality output, and uniformity of performance while reducing miscommunication and failure to comply with industry regulations.

The Key Factors of Aircraft Disinfection Procedures

(1) use different cleaning tools(e.g. cloths and mops) for each area, potentially colour-coding
them, in order to reduce cross-contamination;

(2) not cause damage to the aircraft components, should rub and visibly wet the surfaces
with disinfectant for the entire contact time (also known as ‘wet time’) indicated on the
product label, and remove it afterward;

3) apply disinfectant on the floor from front to aft, and then again in the opposite direction
before any other cleaning and disinfection maneuvers;

(4) typically perform a thorough cleaning before disinfection;

(5) clean and disinfect the key areas as noted below, beginning from the top (ceiling) and moving progressively downwards (floor), working from clean-to-dirty areas:

Segment Wise Procedures for Aircraft Disinfection

(a) Aisles

Ceiling, overhead bins, reading lights, air-supply nozzles, sidewall panels, windows and window shades, seats (tray tables, armrests, passenger control units, and decorative panels), cabinets/lockers, bulkheads, magazine racks, cabin crew seats (jump seats).

(b) Lavatories

The disinfection of lavatories should be progressed from clean areas to contaminated areas, as follows: ceiling, sidewalls, toilet bowls, waste bins, basins,
door assembly (door surfaces, door handles, locking device, and ashtrays (if installed)).

(c) Galleys

Ceiling, ovens, water boilers, coffee makers, galley facilities, lockers/drawers, waste bins.

(d) Flight crew compartment

For aircraft where the flight crew compartment is separated from the passenger cabin, relevant flight crew compartment surfaces and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before starting the flight preparation.

Preventive disinfection should be considered following layovers in which the flight crew had to leave the airport restricted areas (e.g. transfer to a hotel for a rest period) in areas with confirmed local transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Otherwise, the flight crew compartment should be routinely cleaned.

For aircraft where the flight crew compartment is not separated from the passenger cabin, the frequency of preventive disinfection of the flight crew compartment should be the same as for the passenger cabin. Cleaning and disinfection of the flight crew compartment should be performed by properly trained staff.

(e) Cabin

All galley surfaces and equipment, such as the equipment used for pre-flight safety demonstration, communication equipment, and cabin crew seat harnesses should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before starting the flight preparation. Frequently touched cabin equipment, such as interphones, should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after every flight and, if necessary, during the flight. Approved disinfectant/sanitizers should be available onboard.

Disinfection of Seats

All passenger seats and seat belt buckles should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The cleaning procedure should be adjusted depending on the material used for the seat/seat covers, for example:

Woven Fabrics – Seat Covers need to be removed and either dry-cleaned or machine washed to eliminate the risk of transmission to safe levels. Whilst the top surfaces may be able to be cleaned, the woven nature of the product means that the bottom layer and section where the yarns intersect cannot be sufficiently cleaned or disinfected without the removal of the dress cover.

Leather – Genuine leather has a wipe-clean surface but should only be cleaned with mild soap or surfactant solution so as to avoid irreparable damage to the product. Genuine leather cannot be dry cleaned or machine washed.

Coated Fabrics (e.g. synthetic leather) – provided the product has a polycarbonate topcoat, the following preventive disinfection should be considered:

Clean the seat cover using an approved cleaning solution and/or vacuum cleaner to remove any foreign objects or debris and clean the surface.

Using one of the approved disinfection products, apply the disinfection product and allow it to sit on the surface as per the manufacturer’s recommended dwell time.

After the dwell time, wipe the surface down with a damp cloth to remove a residual disinfectant.

Items that are frequently used should be cleaned and disinfected, including overhead stowage compartment handles, passenger control units, touch-screen monitors.

(f) Oxygen-dispensing equipment and emergency equipment Should oxygen-dispensing equipment (i.e. therapeutic oxygen, drop-down oxygen masks, and quick-donning masks) or other emergency equipment be used during the flight, it should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use.

Residual Disinfection Substances

Any residual disinfection substances that may be harmful to humans should be removed from the seat covers or any other surfaces. This is essential, especially when using cleaning and disinfection products that can cause skin irritation or harm.

Principle of Disinfection

Disinfection should follow the general principle of thorough disinfection from out ring-to-center, top-down and all-around approach.

Documentation of Disinfection Service

The cleaning and disinfection activities should be documented by making use of the Aircraft COVID-19 disinfection control sheet. The template is aligned with the ICAO PHC4 form.

Our professional mobile disinfection service offers treatments that directly target viruses and bacteria using aviation approved products.

The awareness for the potential spread of viruses is at a global high following the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been answering this demand for greater sanitation by offering two types of Disinfection service.

1. Aircraft Fogging – The most popular and least intrusive = Less aircraft down time. For this we board the aircraft with our nebulising machine and fog the cabin and storage holds. We ask that the aircraft be connected to a GPU and the air packs turned on so the disinfectant fog can be circulated. Every surface will then be fogged. Our product leaves a 10-day residual factor meaning if the virus comes into contact with the treated surface it should be sterilised by its residual factor providing you with greater protection.

2. Full Hard Clean – After conducting the above Aircraft Fogging process we then follow behind with a hard clean. This is where all surfaces are wiped with cloth and antibacterial cleaner to perform full sterilisation. Note this is a technical clean and not a cosmetic clean so there may still be the same cabin soiling. We therefore recommend that if you would like to increase cosmetic appearance that our Internal Clean is performed alongside this treatment.

All of our completed work is issued with complacence certification.

DISINSECTION SERVICES

Our professional mobile disinsection service offers treatments that directly target living insects that can carry infectious diseases.

With many diseases spread by mosquitoes and other insects, carrying them on board the aircraft is a growing concern.

We offer a specialised Residual Disinsection that with just one treatment will protect your aircraft for up to eight weeks. The procedure is completed with the use of Aviation Approved pesticides and specialised fogging equipment. This combination leaves a residual barrier of protection against insects inside the treated aircraft that will provide effective insect knock down for your added protection. We follow the recommendations prescribed by the World Health Organisation and provide documentation in accordance with ICAO Annex 9.

Please get in touch for more information or a free quote