Emirates Adds HEPA Filters In Flights To Combat COVID-19

Dubai: To increase safety and inspire confidence among travellers, the lastest airline in the Middle-East Emirates has upgraded its in-flight air conditioning systems with multiple high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

HEPA filters, which are popularly used in air purifiers, can trap and filter particles of 0.3 um diameter and smaller in some cases. It can remove 99.99 per cent of airborne contaminants such as viruses and bacteria.

Emirates will be using eight such filters in the B777 and 18 or 19 HEPA filters on the A380.

Here’s How It Works?

Emirates explains that the cabin air is circulated downwards from the ceiling to floor and filtered via HEPA filters to minimise movement of particles inside the cabin. The filtered air is mixed with fresh air drawn from outside and the air is completely changed in 2-3 minutes.

United Air, Delta and other leading airlines are also deploying the same strategy. Home-grown Indigo is also looking to use HEPA filters to boost demand in what is clearly one of the worst affected businesses in this pandemic.

Also Read: Experts Recommend Using HEPA Filters; Virus Can Travel 27 Feet In Air