Private jets are expected to see increased interest as affluent consumers who previously dismissed the extra expense now seek to reduce exposure to COVID-19 Coronavirus.
One industry analysis shows private aviation cuts potential exposure 30-fold compared to flying on the airlines.
Now Los Angeles-based Clay Lacy Aviation says it has reimagined operations to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
In a news release, the Part 135 operator said it is “committing to new sanitizing and cleaning procedures and service protocols.”
The new CleanCheck Standard was developed to eliminate the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases by evaluating, cross-referencing, and implementing new technologies. It is based on best practices from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), aircraft manufacturers, and other industries.
Brian Kirkdoffer, president and CEO of Clay Lacy said, “We examined every department, facility, and process and asked how we could thoughtfully change to provide the absolute safest service and environment for our clients, guests and employees during COVID-19 and beyond.”
The CleanCheck Standard incorporates the use of advanced bipolar ionization technology and antimicrobial barrier application. It uses EPA-registered and aviation-approved products to deliver a clean, safe, and healthy environment for guests and employees.
Aircraft are cleaned and disinfected after each flight, and facilities are receiving increased cleaning frequency.
Bipolar ionization machines produce no ozone while killing surface and airborne pathogens, sterilizing bacteria and mold, removing pet and cooking odors, reducing static electricity, and neutralizing common industrial gasses.
ClearCabin antimicrobial barrier is an odorless, colorless product applied to surfaces. It provides 90-day protection from bacteria, fungi, yeast, and algae from attaching to surfaces.
In a press release, Clay Lacy said, “Each touchpoint has been thoughtfully reevaluated, and new processes put into place to protect Clay Lacy guests and employees. This includes pre-flight health and travel declarations, temperature screening, luggage handling, and personal protective equipment for our crew members.”
There is also extensive coordination and auditing of partners for catering, ground transportation, and crew accommodations.
The company has aircraft operations and regional offices across the U.S., including a full-service FBO at Van Nuys Airport. It has FAA Part 145 aircraft maintenance centers in Los Angeles, San Diego and Oxford, Connecticut. Its jet card program offers as available fixed rates for qualifying roundtrips. In 2019, Clay Lacy was ranked as the 11th biggest U.S. Part 135 operator by Argus Traqpak.