Aeroplanes, even a private charter jet, are subject to the same constraints as any closed space. Here’s what sets the private flight industry apart from commercial flights and why ACS is your best bet when chartering your next private plane. 
Is the Air Quality on Private Flights Better Than Commercial Flights?
Flying at 45,000 feet, the last thing you want to be concerned about is the quality of the air you’re breathing. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has put air quality in any closed environment under the spotlight, especially that of cabin air quality in commercial aircraft.
Aeroplanes, even a private jet charter, are subject to the same constraints as any closed space, with people breathing in a mix of fresh and recirculated air. Not to mention the contaminants breathed out and any airborne viruses or bacteria that could inadvertently be shared. However, there are also marked differences when comparing planes to other enclosed spaces. When flying commercially or privately, people sit close to each other, they are unable to leave the space, the cabin and cockpit need to be pressurised, and low air pressure and humidity also have a negative impact on the quality of air on a plane.
Planes are safer than hospitals
A recent study has shown that aircraft air quality is actually quite high and that aeroplane cabins are, in fact, one of the safest enclosed places to breathe in – healthier even than hospitals. The study, which the Georgia Institute of Technology headed up, measured the number of particles and their total mass while a plane taxied, ascended, cruised and descended, as well the air in the departure and arrival terminals and during the boarding and deplaning process.
The study included data measured over 19 commercial flights with a 50% passenger load across a mix of short- and medium-haul flights. To understand why the air on a plane is healthier than in a crowded room, we first need to look at how the air on a commercial aircraft is scrubbed. The High-Efficiency Particle (HEPA) filters, which either recycle the air in the cabin or mix outdoor air with the recirculated air, remove between 97% and 99% of pollutant particles. These HEPA filters are now standard on commercial planes.
However, while the air quality on a commercial flight may be good, those wishing for a flight that provides even more cleanliness are likely to favour private aviation.
Although some private jets are being retro-fitted with HEPA filters, most make use of modified engine bleed air. This is air pulled in over the plane's fuselage, where it enters heat exchangers, is regulated and brought into the cockpit and cabin to heat, cool or pressurise the space as needed.
The de-oxygenated air flowing out of the cabin moves through outflow valves, which are always open to ensure that fresh air is constantly moving through the plane and reducing the number of potential pathogens.
A second option employed by jet plane manufacturers is to recycle air through filters and mix this with a preset amount of outside air. This is then pumped through the cabin and the cockpit. The advantage of this system is that temperature and humidity are easier to control and regulate. An ion pulse system can be added to both options to neutralise harmful particles such as bacteria, viruses and odours. The ion pulse uses positive and negative ions to scrub these particles, making the air even cleaner.
Private jets offer more than clean air
Passengers have the option of a chauffeured drive to the plane, and because there are far fewer passengers, more direct and personal requests can be made of the staff. Most importantly, in a post-pandemic environment, passengers tend to sit further apart than on a commercial flight, reducing the risk of viral cross-contamination. In fact, for the charter plane passenger, the entire flight, from arrival at the airfield to leaving the airport on the other side, is one where their health and comfort are put first.
On the buyer’s side of the private plane industry, air quality has become a major concern, says Ricardo Carvalhal, Embraer’s Director of Sales Engineering. What’s important to note though is that while air quality should always be paramount, private jets are also often more sterile than their commercial counterparts as there is usually more time between flights to pay attention to in-depth cleaning.
To find out more about the variety of planes in our fleet, take a look at our aircraft guide.
Flying in a safe and healthy environment
ACS has raised the bar when it comes to private jet charters. Our staff are fully trained and updated on travel protocols around the world and are even more geared to delivering exceptional service both in the sky and on the ground when it comes to affordable private jet charters. Contact us to arrange your next business, personal, or medical flight.