Always catching colds after flying? This technology could help

Ever noticed that you often feel rotten after a long flight, or that you tend to be more susceptible to coughs, colds and sore throats? Research suggests that up to…


Ever noticed that you often feel rotten after a long flight, or that you tend to be more susceptible to coughs, colds and sore throats? Research suggests that up to 20% of passengers develop respiratory infections within a week after air travel. Technology from CTT Systems could help prevent this.

Peter Landquist, VP, Marketing, CTT Systems, explains: “It’s a simple and direct solution, using an evaporation technique. We install a humidifier in the supply duct for the zone that we are going to humidify. We spray water over an evaporation pad in sequence, and you get a cold evaporation. When the air goes through the pad, it evaporates out in vapour into the cabin area.”

CTT started deploying the technology initially in the VIP area because this is the driest area of the aircraft. Landquist said that in fact, in first and business class the humidity level is lower than in the desert and the arctic.

“Everyone knows it’s very dry, but not just how dry it is, and of course it has a health aspect. Your mucus membranes dry out; it’s easier for the virus to attack you and you catch a cold.”

By Peter Landquist, VP, Marketing, CTT Systems

Next the company focused on the flight deck following a request from Boeing and Airbus. Research suggests that flight attendants have significantly more respiratory infections than those who do not frequently fly. The solution is now moving into business class.

Landquist said: “On the A350 and the 777X, our system can be selected for the premium class, first class and business class, and it will also have a positive effect for economy class due to the recirculation system in the aircraft. About 50% of the air is recirculated and evenly divided over the aircraft, so it will have a positive effect for all passengers.”

Watch the video for more on how the system works.

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