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Easyjet To Install Zonal Drying Technology Onboard An A320 Aircraft
 
By Bill Goldston
 

February 06, 2013 - Easyjet, the UK’s largest airline announced the start of a twelve month trial of an innovative Zonal Dryer system to significantly reduce the weight of its aircraft. 

February 6, 2013 - The airline is installing CTT Systems of Sweden’s light-weight Zonal Drying unit which weighs less than 30kg, to the crown area of four of its A320 aircraft which will reduce weight increasing moisture by up to 250kg on each flight the equivalent of 12 hold bags plus the additional benefit of improving air quality for the passenger. 

The Zonal Drying System prevents condensation in modern aircraft by combating the root cause. Less condensation means less weight resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions.  

 

The system removes moisture by taking air from the crown area or cargo area and feeds it though zonal dryer units between the cabin and the outer skin of the aircraft using a specially designed piccolo duct. This lowers the dew point in the crown area preventing the condensation process from occurring, thus keeping the insulation blankets dry. Zonal Drying system is standard equipment on the Boeing 787 "Dreamliner". 

EasyJet already operates one of the industry’s cleanest, youngest, most fuel efficient fleet and the launch of the trial further demonstrates the airline’s commitment to using the latest technology to minimize the fleet’s environmental impact. An EasyJet passenger’s carbon footprint is already 22% less than a passenger on a traditional airline flying on the same route and aircraft. 

The Zonal Drying system consists of a fan, heater and a moisture absorbing, silica impregnated rotor made of light-weight fiber glass which will improve air quality onboard as well as reduce water retention by channeling dry air to the crown area of the aircraft. 

With weight also being the key factor which influences aircraft efficiency and fuel use, the Zonal Drying unit’s use will contribute towards reducing the airline’s £1.2 billion annual fuel bill.

 

 

Captain Chris Foster, EasyJet’s Flight Operations Manager said "Fuel is a key focus for EasyJet and this is one of a number of initiatives we are implementing in order to be as environmentally responsible as possible. There is the potential to save 4.5 million kg of fuel per year by using this Zonal Dryer technology and we’re confident that we’ll see significant and positive results on completion of the trial." Subject to the trial being successful, EasyJet will seek to install the Zonal Dryer system onto more aircraft in its fleet with a view to the whole fleet carrying the system.

 
 
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