Aviation Glass has developed specialised glass screens that can be fitted onto existing commercial aircraft to improve social distancing on board and so passengers and crew can fly safely in a post-Covid-19 world.

The Dutch company’s new product, AeroGlassShield, is a special tempered and laminated glass that can be used for screens and fitted between aircraft seats.

It has been designed to meet the stringent social distancing requirements imposed in the aviation industry and the safety regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Aviation Glass managing director, Jaap Wiersema, said: “When the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world in March this year, we had already been discussing the application possibilities, including aircraft windows, of our product AeroGlass with several airlines and aerospace OEMs.

“When the consequences of the corona crisis for the airline industry became clear, various parties in the industry asked us to help them come up with ideas that would allow them to fly without jeopardizing the health of passengers and crew.”

According to the company, the polycarbonate screens that are currently used in public transport and stores, for instance, are vulnerable, relatively heavy, and flammable.

Wiersema comments: “Each and every component in an aircraft must meet strict safety requirements and must be certified by EASA and other aviation authorities.

“The AeroGlassShield we developed is light in weight, scratch-resistant and fireproof and it meets all requirements for aviation use. It is lighter in weight than plexiglass and due to its scratch resistance it is no dirt trap and much easier to clean.

“The AeroGlassShield can be fitted between the seats as a glass screen. This will significantly reduce the risk of infection for passengers and crew. Thus, flying in large groups in a post-Covid world will once again be possible.”

According to Wiersema, the solution by Aviation Glass got an “enthusiastic response” from airline companies. “Currently, we are in the process of getting this application of AeroGlass approved.

“We are very positive that it will pass in the short term, as we have been supplying mirrors, room dividers and ceiling lighting system concepts for private jets and commercial aircraft for years now.

“We hope to equip the first aircraft with the AeroGlassShields between seats this year and thus contribute to a recovery of civilian aviation.”

Visit aviationglass.aero for more information.