Aviation fuel handling – current activity in support of impact of COVID-19 pandemic

Commercial air travel has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with IATA data indicating that currently some 18,000 aircraft, representing around two thirds of the commercial fleet, are parked up.

The EI Secretariat, Aviation Committee members and Microbiology Committee members are providing significant input to an IATA Task Force that has been established to assist with the challenge of ensuring parked aircraft are managed to mitigate the proliferation of microbiological growth in aircraft fuel systems. Aircraft engine and airframe manufacturers have also requested the EI expedite drafting of a new standard for the injection of biocide into jet fuel for aircraft maintenance purposes. Providing support to the logistical challenge of reinstating aircraft for service will also come in the form of material being prepared by the Aviation Committee for issue as a new publication EI 1545 Recommended practice for the defuelling of aircraft.

 Input has also been provided by the EI Secretariat, the Aviation Committee members and members of its Hydrant Sub-Committee to the development of an industry bulletin Guidance for managing operations as part of COVID-19 pandemic response, published by the Joint Inspection Group. This provides information on maintaining operations at reduced levels and decommissioning/ recommissioning of equipment.