LOS ANGELES—Constant Aviation, a Cleveland-based maintenance, repair and overhaul specialist, says concern over the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a wave of inquiries from business and commercial operators over applications of a specially developed anti-microbial protection treatment for aircraft interiors.

The nontoxic coating, developed by coating company MicroShield 360, is currently being applied to more than 160 aircraft operated by Flexjet, and is also applicable to larger commercial aircraft. The coating system combines a known anti-microbial with specialized bonding and suspension agents to provide a protective layer which the company claims will remain effective for up to a year.

“The entire process from initial interior deep clean to curing of the final barrier application takes approximately 60 minutes for a midsized business jet, assuming the cabin is in good order prior to beginning,” Constant Aviation CEO David Davies says. The three-step treatment includes an initial disinfection phase using a electrostatic process, followed by application of the disinfectant formula. The final step is the addition of the coating. 

“This imparts a final biostatic finish to treated surfaces, preventing pathogens from living on them going forward,” Davies says. The coating company, also based in Cleveland, says the process reduces microbial contamination of bacteria and viruses as well as mold, algae, yeast, mildew, fungi and odors. The process differs from conventional deep cleaning because it mechanically punctures pathogens and applies a positive charge which, in turn, reduces its effectiveness. Anti-microbial resistance does not form against the coating as the process does not use poisons.

The MRO says the process can “help protect passengers and crew from a wide range of illnesses including MRSA, E. coli, Norovirus, C. diff, flu strains, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, enveloped viruses including the common cold and more than 90 additional diseases and conditions.”

Davies says activity is accelerating to include commercial applications. “Client names are confidential, but beyond Flexjet, Constant is currently applying or in the process of coordinating MicroShield 360 applications with providers ranging from large to regional commercial carriers as well as other private aviation fleet providers and aircraft owners,” he adds.