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Technology update
Breathe easier
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To enhance passenger comfort, Airbus has developed a new air management system for its A340-500/600 aircraft. Since the amount of moist air onboard is low and the main natural source available is from passengers, the air-management system was designed to increase humidity levels in the aircraft's passenger cabin while optimizing air distribution using additional air outlets located below the lateral hatracks.
In addition, computer-modeled airflow patterns have been used to identify the locations of additional cabin air outlets in the passenger cabin to further enhance the movement of air through the aircraft. In the company's current long-range aircraft, one air vent stretches along the roof on either side of the cabin. Fluid dynamic studies show that better circulation and temperature control will be achieved with a second vent.
As with current airbus aircraft, the A340-500/600 will also benefit from the air cleaning capabilities of high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) filters, which remove a minimum of 99.97% of particles and contaminants from cabin air, including viruses and bacteria. This will provide a cabin supply air that is cleaner than that found in public places such as cinemas, office buildings, and even hospitals.
Frank Bokulich
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