Airbus CFD study shows very low risk of virus transmission in aircraft cabins

Airbus reported (08-Oct-2020) it participated in a study using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and a three dimensional simulation of an A320 family aircraft economy class cabin to understand potential particle propagation of droplets and aerosols are expelled via breathing, coughing, sneezing or speaking from a passenger onboard an aircraft. The study found that when all passengers and crew wear masks, there is a very low probability of airborne particle propagation into the next passenger's breathing zone. It also found that significantly fewer particles emitted by a passenger in an airliner cabin reached the breathing zone of other passengers, compared with particles emitted in a typical commercial indoor space. The study further demonstrated no increased particle exposure when seated directly beside another passenger. Airbus stated the study is another indicator of the very low risk of virus transmission in the cabin. [more - original PR]