Innotech Earns FAA STC for Installation of I-CAIR Cabin Air-Quality System

June 24, 2010
Approved for Bombardier Global Express and Global XRS business aircraft, the I-CAIR system was jointly developed by Innotech Aviation and Montreal-based Air Data Inc., using its JetAir Bio-Protection Systems (BPS).

Montreal, June 23, 2010…… Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group received STC approval from the FAA on June 14 to install its Cabin Air-quality (I-CAIR) System on Bombardier Global Express and Global XRS business aircraft.

The I-CAIR system was jointly developed by Innotech Aviation and Montreal-based Air Data Inc., using its JetAir™ Bio-Protection Systems (BPS), with installations being performed at Innotech’s completion center in Montreal. The system can be installed on the aircraft as it undergoes initial interior completion or as part of a retrofit program.

Innotech director of sales and marketing, Tony Rawlinson said, “Our installation and certification experience, combined with Air Data’s expertise in cabin air-quality management systems, brings to market the most advanced systems available today.”

European EASA approval of the system installation is expected within the next few weeks.

Pioneered in space, the system is derived from patented “cold plasma ionic interaction” technology and is currently in use on the International Space Station. Unlike traditional, simple air filters, the I-CAIR system is an “active” design; it uses an electric sterilization technique to “catch and inactivate” air contaminants. In addition to its germicidal effect, the technique has a further advantage of simultaneous reduction in a wide range of harmful and annoying gases, against which traditional air filters have no effect.

Air Data vp of sales and marketing, Olivier Laville said, “At a time when there is increasing concern about the transmission of infections within aircraft cabins, the certified I-CAIR system provides significant increases in cabin air purity, protecting passengers and crew from a wide range of contaminants, both biological and chemical.”

A key example of the system’s effectiveness can be seen with the substantial reduction in cabin ozone levels, which are naturally elevated at high altitudes. Studies have shown that ozone reacts with many surfaces and substances within an aircraft cabin, creating gaseous by-products that are sources of dryness and discomfort for passengers’ eyes and nasal membranes.

Laville added, “Feedback from clients has been that crews are noticing a significant difference in air quality that has made flying a more enjoyable experience.”

Headquartered near Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, since 1990 Air Data has manufactured and supplied the aircraft industry with a wide range of specialized avionics equipment and cabin air quality improvement systems. These encompass a variety of technologies including air purification, precision landing systems, air data computers and airborne sensors. Its products have been deployed in over 3,000 aircraft, both fixed wing and helicopter, civil and military, as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Major customers include Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer and Esterline CMC Electronics.

The Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group, a uniquely structured subsidiary of IMP Group International, Inc., has 850 employees in locations across Canada and the US.

Innotech-Execaire is Canada’s premier business aircraft organization, acting as the country’s Cessna Citation Authorized Sales Representative (ASR). Since Execaire was named Citation ASR in 1994, it has sold more new business jets in Canada than any other company, growing the Citation fleet to the largest in the country.

Specializing in business aircraft sales, interior completions, paint, service, repair & overhaul, NDT, interior/exterior refurbishing, flight operations, aircraft management and charters, and supported by FBOs, the group holds a wide variety of sales and service designations and authorizations.

IMP Group International Inc. is a diversified multinational Canadian corporation with 3,500 employees in four countries. The company has extensive interests in aerospace, manufacturing, airlines and general aviation services, industrial marine products, real estate and hotels.