The air in the cabin is constantly filtered and refreshed every few minutes. A study commissioned by the European Aviation Safety Agency found that the cabin/cockpit air quality is similar or better than what is observed in normal indoor environments (offices, schools, or dwellings).

 

However, we know that sometimes smell events can occur. A smell event is any event that causes an unusual smell in the aircraft and they happen for a variety of reasons with smells coming from a number of sources from inside or outside the aircraft.

 

In some instances these events can lead to disruption and delayed flights and on rare occasions, to short term symptoms experienced by people on board.

 

The balance of scientific opinion remains that there are no long term health effects. easyJet takes any health concerns from our crew seriously as their health, and that of our passengers, is the airline’s highest priority.

 

We want to reduce incidents of unusual smells in the cabin and that’s why we try to:

 

- prevent these events where possible using innovative, proactive and preventive engineering solutions

- ensure appropriate medical advice is offered to concerned individuals after an event

- follow all scientific research on this issue and have offered to work with the CAA and EASA

 

We feel that we’re at the forefront of the industry in dealing with this issue.

 

We are installing new air filters developed with Pall Aerospace to reduce incidents of unusual smells in the cabin. We’re also developing detection systems to identify potential sources of smells and working with Pall on longer term innovations.

 

We have also worked closely with experts in toxicology, medicine, trade union and aviation regulators’ medical experts to provide appropriate medical advice and now have an information sheet and care pathway for the management of individuals with concerns for their health following a smell event.

 

References:

 

· EASA: https://www.easa.europa.eu/newsroom-and-events/press-releases/easa-publishes-two-studies-cabin-air-quality

· UK safety regulator: http://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Before-you-fly/Am-I-fit-to-fly/Guidance-for-health-professionals/Aircraft-fume-events/

· Upcoming EU-wide study: http://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:66334-2017:TEXT:EN:HTML&tabId=1