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Airlines employ varied strategies for efficient aircraft interior cleaning

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Airlines employ varied strategies for efficient aircraft interior cleaning
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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

After an aircraft lands, airlines aim to prepare it for the next flight as quickly as possible. Different methods are employed to clean the aircraft efficiently. Ryanair and Southwest Airlines are known for their quick turnaround times of 25 and 35 minutes, respectively. However, these times can extend up to 60 minutes depending on various factors.

During short-haul flights, passengers may observe cabin crew cleaning the aircraft rather than dedicated cleaners. The process involves removing trash, wiping visibly dirty areas, and preparing seatbelts for the next passengers. Cleaning practices differ between airlines and flight types; while low-cost carriers focus on speed, flag carriers like Emirates emphasize customer service and luxury.

"The cleanliness of an airline cabin is about both function — health and safety — as well as the overall passenger experience," according to ABM Aviation reported by How Stuff Works. Cleaning efficiency is achieved through just-in-time manpower allocation.

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ABM Industries offers three cleaning options: turn clean, overnight clean, and deep clean. Turn clean involves light cleaning focusing on galley areas and trash removal. Overnight clean is more thorough with increased attention to customer areas around seats. Deep clean includes a comprehensive cleaning of seat areas and surfaces using specialized equipment.

John Alford from ABM Aviation states that "ABM provides an experienced and professional management team who direct a highly-skilled, engaged mobile workforce." This approach ensures efficient cleaning within tight timeframes with minimal disruptions.

Short-haul flights often present challenges due to tight schedules. Delays in deplaning or late arrivals can reduce available cleaning time, necessitating additional crew members for quick turnarounds.

In addition to surface cleaning, maintaining air quality is crucial in aircraft cabins. According to IATA, "the quality of supplied air on board an aircraft is much better than most indoor environments." Air filters are used to minimize disease transmission risks in modern cabins where airflow patterns help maintain cleanliness.

Aircraft air is refreshed 20-30 times per hour with a mix of HEPA-filtered and fresh air. HEPA filters remove over 99% of germs effectively.

Cleaning extends beyond interiors; mechanical parts like engines also require maintenance similar to car washes for exterior cleanliness.

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