Study Finds Enhanced Aircraft Cleaning Helps Reduce Infection Risk
According to a recent study by Harvard University in the United States, disinfecting aircraft cabins is a key part of a multi-layered public health risk-reduction strategy.
The findings support Delta’s extensive cleaning practices, including our industry-leading commitment to electrostatic spraying of high-touch surfaces using high-grade disinfectant on every flight, every day.
Part of a set of recommendations to reduce the health risks of flying during the pandemic, the Harvard bulletin recommends airlines:
Focus cabin cleaning on high-frequency touch surfaces
Every interior surface on every Delta flight is thoroughly sanitized prior to boarding using electrostatic sprayers – including lavatories.
On boarding the aircraft, customers are given a sanitizing wipe, while Delta has become the first U.S. airline to install hand sanitizer stations near the boarding door and bathrooms on its planes.
Focus special cleaning and maintenance on lavatories
Delta flight attendants wipe down high-touch surfaces in lavatories frequently during each flight, using kits that include disinfectant spray, wipes and gloves to ensure the thorough pre-flight sanitization completed stays fresh.
Overall, Delta has instituted more than 100 layers of protection from check-in to baggage claim to deliver a new standard of cleanliness, more space and safer service for customers and employees alike. These include mandatory face coverings for employees and customers, unless exempt, and blocking middle seats on all flights until at least 6 January 20201.
