The new technology is proven to deactivate 99.4 per cent of airborne virus including Covid-19, meaning passengers and crew can feel safe knowing that the air they breathe, and surfaces that they touch during the helicopter flight, are safe.

Apollo Air Services will handle the full installation of the new system from start to finish – providing the equipment, gaining approval, and fitting the unit within the aircraft. Once it has been installed, Apollo can also test for elements. The Ionization Purification System operates through the aircraft’s existing environmental control system and can be fitted to any helicopter.

This technology means that the passengers and crew are not required to wear masks or gloves. The Ionization Purification System uses positive and negative ions to immediately improve interior air quality, eliminate odours and kill pathogens in the air and on surfaces, wherever they live throughout the cabin and cockpit, making the air even purer and safer than in a medical environment.

In the Covid-19 travel landscape, health and hygiene have never been more important and are now key considerations in travel by air. Having the air purification provides considerable added value to each aircraft, and means in both the short and long-term, clients and crew can feel safe and protected from the virus and confident to travel once again.

Steve Graham, Director, Accountable Manager, Chief Pilot and Training Captain at Apollo Air Services, said: “We are delighted to be appointed the supplier of Aviation Clean Air’s ground-breaking technology within Europe and the UK It has never been more important to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable flying by helicopter and this new technology is crucial in gaining back customer confidence.

“We have installed the units to our own fleet and are encouraging our fellow helicopter owners and operators to do the same to help protect their clients and crew. We can manage the installation from start to finish from our maintenance base in Blackpool, so there’s no need to worry about the fitting, testing and approval process.”