Bill to reduce disease transmission on jets targets airworthiness standards

US lawmakers have proposed a union-backed bill that seeks to prevent the spread of disease within the commercial aviation sector, including by changing aircraft certification requirements. Released 22 April into the House, the bill would require commercial aircraft designs include features intended to reduce disease transmission. It also would require airlines take steps to keep diseases and viruses from spreading, mandate that passengers wear masks during disease outbreaks and force airlines to report passengers who do not. Seventeen lawmakers, all Democrats, back the measure. “The Covid-19 pandemic exposed serious flaws in the federal government’s preparedness to keep airline and airport workers and travellers safe,” says House transportation committee chair Peter DeFazio. The bill “provides clear, consistent rules and guidelines” intended to mitigate the spread of disease and to keep passengers and aircraft crew safe, he adds. The proposal would require the FAA study disease spread aboard commercial jets, including how airflow, humidity and cabin filtration systems affect transmission. <br/>