The GP-backed anti-coronavirus personal protection shield for plane seats that is set to be ready for aircraft use by mid-June (and won’t require airlines to reconfigure their cabins)
- Shield has been created by RAS Completions and is made from polycarbonate
- It can be fitted on to the back or sides of seats in all aircraft cabins
- The design is undergoing approval tests by Europe’s aviation safety body
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Could this be the answer to keeping passengers safe while flying without airlines having to reconfigure their cabins completely?
A UK-based aircraft interior company has designed what it claims is an ‘industry-first’ anti-coronavirus personal protection window (PPW) for airline seats – which will be ready for use by mid-June.
The shield, endorsed by UK GPs, is designed to prevent person-to-person droplet transmission, particularly when used in conjunction with biosecurity measures such as face masks.
UK-based aircraft interior company RAS Completions has designed what it claims is an ‘industry-first’ anti-coronavirus personal protection window (PPW)
It has been created by RAS Completions, based at London Biggin Hill Airport, which says the shields are made from ‘transparent aircraft-approved polycarbonate’.
The company explains that they can be fixed on to the back and sides of seats and will ‘enable airlines to safely resume service without removing or blocking out the middle seat’.
RAS Completions says the PPW can fit on to all seat types, whether economy or premium economy, and that it allows the seat to be reclined or adjusted for children or larger adults.
It adds: ‘It does not interfere with safety procedures and the installation process is straightforward, meaning airlines will not need to reconfigure their aircraft interiors.’
The window, endorsed by UK GPs, is designed to shield passengers from lateral person-to-person droplet transmission
The design firm says PPW is undergoing European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval and is expected to be ready for aircraft use as early as mid-June.
It also adds that a network of approved suppliers around the world are ready to produce them in different regions.
Roger Patron, business development manager at RAS Completions, said: ‘The team was inspired to create a solution for struggling airlines following the work we have been doing during the pandemic, converting aircraft for medevac use.
‘So far, protection solutions all remove the use of the middle seat, which isn’t a viable, long-term financial option for most airlines.
RAS Completions says the PPW can fit on to all types of seat
‘Our new PPW gives airlines a choice. We want to give people the confidence to return to the skies, and firmly believe this product will help them to feel protected while retaining much of the flying experience they are used to.’
Andy Patsalides, marketing manager at London Biggin Hill Airport, added: ‘This new seat shield is bringing a practical, low-cost solution to airlines at a critical moment.
‘London Biggin Hill is home to many innovative aerospace businesses like RAS Completions, and we are proud of the work it and other resident companies have been doing to help get the aviation industry moving again.’