Aircraft cleaning is a ground handling activity in the aviation industry.
It involves a wide range of operations, picking up newspapers and other rubbish
fallen on the floor during the flight, vacuuming carpets, changing headrests on
each seat, repositioning safety belts, cleaning tray tables, windows, arranging seats
in comfort classes within a required time based on the aircraft type.
The task involves seat cleaning, seat pocket cleaning, ashtray cleaning,
galley cleaning, toilet cleaning and replenishment, floor cleaning and blanket
management.
However, the post COVID-19 pandemic has introduced another activity called
Aircraft Cabin Disinfection. This activity is to ensure that the aircraft cabin is free
from infection. It is important to note that the chemicals used for the disinfection is
approved by IATA/EASA and the Airlines.
The areas that require disinfection are
1. Cabin which includes;
Overhead bins, Ceiling, Sidewall panels, Windows, Seats (tray tables, armrests,
passenger control units and decorative panels), headrests, cabinets/lockers
bulkheads, magazine racks, cabin attendant seats
2. Lavatory
Toilet bowls, Waste bins, Basins Lavatory sidewall, Ceiling, Door assembly
(door surfaces, door handles, locking device and if installed, ashtrays)
*Galley* is excluded if catering is stored and most importantly *Cockpit* is a
no-go area (forbidden)
Application mode
Application mode is different considering the areas to be cleaned/disinfected:
1. Application mode 1: “Direct Spray + Wipe-off” technique.
2. Application mode 2: “Wet-Wipe-On with dampened cloth / Wipe-Off”
technique.
3. Application mode 3: Wet-Wipe-On with dampened cloth / Wet wipe water
rinsing / Wipe-Off” technique.
After aircraft cleaning and disinfection, a form is handed over to the Purser to
endorse that cleaning and disinfection are satisfactory.