Preparing Aircraft for Return to Service

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic a lot of airplanes were parked or put into short to mid-term storage. As passengers are slowly returning to flying and airlines are adding flights, it is important to consider what measures should be taken in order to return stored aircraft to service. Preparing an aircraft to return to service can be a challenging process, especially if the cabin and lavatories were not thoroughly cleaned prior to putting the aircraft into storage. If all sources of malodor were not adequately treated beforehand, bacteria, mold, and mildew could have continued to multiply during storage producing a foul cabin environment. In addition, dust and dirt may have collected on surfaces creating an unappealing appearance. In order to get the cabin back into a clean, presentable state with fully functional waste and water systems, a comprehensive cleaning process needs to occur. Celeste Industries has the products to help our airline partners with this task.

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AIRCRAFT INTERIOR

Sani-Cide EX3 can be used to clean and disinfect all surfaces. Use according to product label to ensure the aircraft is free of dust and soil. Sani-Cide EX3 is an EPA registered broad-spectrum disinfectant and highly effective cleaner, which is safe to use on all aircraft cabin surfaces. Leather surfaces can be treated with Celeste’s  Leather Conditioner and Protectant  to refresh the leather and prepare it for regular use. Biozyme EX3 should be used to continue attacking sources of malodors before they start. This product contains enzymes which consume odor causing bacteria, mold, and mildew that may have developed while the aircraft sat in storage. The product can be sprayed directly onto surfaces and allowed to dry for long-term odor control.

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POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS

Mineral scale and biofilm may have collected in the potable water tanks during storage. These soils are difficult to remove and are not typically eliminated with traditional disinfectants. Glyco-San® NG is designed to remove this buildup and is also a registered disinfectant so it can be used to satisfy the quarterly disinfecting process required by the US EPA.

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WASTE SYSTEMS

Dry and hardened scale accumulation in vacuum waste lines and recirculating toilet systems is a primary area of concern when removing an aircraft from storage. It is important to remove this buildup before bringing the aircraft back into service to prevent system failures and malodor, and to ensure a pleasant passenger experience. Celeste has solutions for both recirculating and vacuum toilet systems.

Recirculating Toilet System
Soak holding tanks using Sani-Tank® N to remove the source of odor causing bacteria, urine scale, and organic build-up that can be found on the toilet bowl, flapper valve, shroud area, and other waste tank components. Sani-Tank® N is an excellent heavy-duty cleaner that will maintain the cleanliness of all waste tank components.

Vacuum Toilet System
Treat the system with Gly-Vak® which uses mild organic acids with proprietary surfactants, foaming, and gelling agents to completely coat waste tube walls to soften existing scale for removal. Then follow up by flushing the system with Sani-Tank® N to emulsify and remove the softened scale, ensuring the lines are clean. It is important to continue to treat the system according to your regular weekly waste line maintenance program.

Prepare both vacuum and recirculating waste systems for use by pre-charging tanks with Sani-Pak® Toilet Deodorant to prevent malodor generation and organic buildup within the system.

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For assistance with recommended products or cleaning procedures, contact your Celeste Account Manager.