Airline combats fatal fumes in cabins

Airline combats fatal fumes in cabins
By Daisy Doctor


UK-based airline EasyJet will be fitting air filters into its cabins to curb the release of fatal toxic fumes which can cause ‘aerotoxic syndrome’.

The syndrome is a contentious issue in the industry, as most airlines deny its existence and have failed to protect those who suffer from it the most; crew, frequent flyers and children.

According to The Sunday Times, aerotoxic syndrome could be responsible for several deaths of pilots and crew and hundreds of incidents where pilots have fallen ill, sometimes at the controls.

Speaking to The Times, an EasyJet representative said that “health concerns” had influenced the decision and led the airline to work with a commercial supplier, Pall Aerospace to “develop and design a new cabin air filtration system”.

The Times also reported the British National Health Service has established a “care pathway” for victims of the syndrome.

This was backed up by a statement from the Civil Aviation Authority who said, “There is strong evidence that some people experience acute symptoms as a consequence of fume events.”

Tristan Loraine, a former British Airways captain who claims toxic cabin air forced him from his job, said, “This is the first public acknowledgment by an airline of a problem which this industry, including my own airline, has spent decades denying.

“I congratulate EasyJet for having the vision and courage which no other airline had,” he added.

Latest News