One of the fundamental pillars for every member of our team at AirSupport Group is the safety and well-being of passengers. For this reason, we align ourselves with the strictest cleaning and disinfection protocols established by national and international authorities, ensuring that air operations in El Salvador are carried out safely and efficiently.
Iván Navarro, CEO of AirSupport Group, emphasizes that “biosafety is no longer a temporary protocol: today it is a structural part of operational excellence. At AirSupport Group, we consider the cleaning and disinfection of aircraft to be a responsibility shared with each passenger and each member of the crew. Our goal is not only to comply with international standards, but to anticipate, innovate, and ensure that every flight departing from El Salvador is synonymous with trust and well-being.”
We want to share with you the care standards we implement to keep you safe. That is why this guide details the latest protocols for cleaning and disinfecting both aircraft and airports, based on updates from 2022 onwards.
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Protocols
The ICAO has updated its biosafety guidelines in 2022 with the document “COVID-19: Aviation Recovery,” a set of recommendations to ensure cleaning and disinfection on aircraft. Although conditions have improved, these protocols remain in effect and are essential:
- Thorough cleaning of high-contact surfaces such as seats, tables, handrails, windows, and other equipment inside the aircraft.
- Use of products approved by local health authorities, such as 70% alcohol or hypochlorite solutions, to ensure effective disinfection.
- HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) ventilation systems, which are essential for improving air quality and reducing the spread of particles in the cabin.
- Continuous disinfection during long flights, especially on long-haul flights, to ensure that surfaces remain clean throughout the operation.
These measures are in line with international best practices to ensure that aircraft are safe spaces for passengers.
CEPA and El Salvador International Airport protocols
El Salvador International Airport has also adopted rigorous protocols starting in 2022, in line with ICAO guidelines. The measures implemented by the Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA), in accordance with the provisions made by the Ministry of Public Health of El Salvador, include:
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- Use of thermal imaging cameras to detect passengers’ temperatures, helping to prevent potential health risks.
- Continuous disinfection of high-traffic areas within the airport, such as restrooms, waiting rooms, and terminals, using disinfectant products approved by local authorities.
- Disinfection of high-contact surfaces, such as check-in desks, security counters, boarding gates, and other common areas within airports.
- Frequent cleaning of aircraft before and after each flight, with an emphasis on high-contact surfaces such as handrails, seats, restrooms, and terminals.
Disinfection of cargo and baggage handling equipment, ensuring that objects that come into direct contact with aircraft are also properly cleaned.
- Use of approved disinfectants that comply with safety and environmental protection regulations, ensuring that cleaning operations are effective and safe.
These measures reinforce the airport’s commitment to the health and safety of passengers and operational staff.
AirSupport Group’s compliance with biosafety protocols
At AirSupport Group, we ensure that we follow and apply the strictest cleaning and disinfection protocols to protect the health and safety of our customers and employees. We align ourselves with the international guidelines of ICAO and national authorities such as CEPA and the Ministry of Public Health of El Salvador, ensuring that every operation we handle meets the highest safety standards.
Navarro maintains that “complying with ICAO and CEPA standards is the starting point, not the goal. Our vision is to consolidate El Salvador as a regional benchmark in safe, sustainable, and humane operations. Every protocol we implement reaffirms our commitment to more responsible aviation, where health safety is also a promise of quality.”
Our airport handling services include not only aircraft cleaning and disinfection, but also efficient cargo and baggage handling, always with a focus on safety. At AirSupport Group, we know that operational efficiency is key to a safe travel experience, and we ensure that the entire process is carried out in accordance with the most rigorous regulations.
We invite you to continue browsing our blog to learn more about our airport handling solutions and discover how we can help you optimize your ground operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What products are used to disinfect aircraft cabins in El Salvador?
Disinfectants approved by health authorities, such as 70% alcohol and hypochlorite, are used to eliminate viruses and bacteria without damaging aircraft materials. Their use ensures effective and safe cleaning for passengers.
How often are aircraft cabins cleaned?
Aircraft are cleaned before and after each flight, with special attention paid to high-contact surfaces such as seats, seat belts, tables, and bathrooms. On long flights, additional disinfection may be performed during the journey.
What cleaning protocols do airports in El Salvador follow?
Airports implement measures such as constant disinfection of common areas, use of thermal cameras, and enhanced cleaning of counters, handrails, and restrooms. These actions follow the guidelines of CEPA and the Ministry of Health.
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting aircraft?
Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris, while disinfection inactivates dangerous microorganisms. In aviation, both processes are combined to ensure a hygienic and safe environment for crew and passengers.
What international standards govern aircraft cleaning?
Cabin cleaning is governed by ICAO recommendations, which include the use of HEPA filters, certified disinfectant products, and hygiene protocols adapted to the post-pandemic context.
Do handling companies in El Salvador follow biosafety protocols?
Yes. Companies such as AirSupport Group apply international and national cleaning and disinfection standards, ensuring certified processes and trained personnel for safe operations on the ground and on board.
