Amenity kits get the PPE treatment for a post-pandemic world
Protective face masks, gloves and designer-brand hand sanitisers show a new approach to airline amenity kits.
By Brandon Loo, May 13 2020
Skin lotion, eye-mask, toothbrush – check. Washable cotton face mask, disposable gloves and designer-brand hand sanitiser – double-check.
Inflight amenity kits are getting a PPE upgrade as airlines race to adapt to a rapidly changing travel landscape.
Formia, a leading supplier of business and first class amenity kits to more than 30 airlines worldwide, has now launched a bespoke Clean Kit packed with personal protective equipment (PPE) for passengers.
Sanitising gel and wipes could make an appearance in an amenity kit near you.
And while generic branding is available, Formia is partnering with designer labels such as Payot, Acca Kappa and Institut Karite to provide a range of traditional and sanitising products within the individually-sealed pouches
For face coverings, airlines have the option of choosing simple surgical-style disposable masks or fancier options made of EVA, single jersey or cotton and customised to the airline's liking.
Single jersey and cotton masks are washable and reusable, while non-woven and EVA are not.
Formia's Clean Kit will debut in three versions, which could conceivably be ranged from economy or premium economy all the way through to first class.
The Essentials Kit keeps things simple with an EVA mask, gloves and a wipe, while the Essential Plus Kit swaps in a more comfortable cotton mask and includes a tube of sanitising gel.
The mid-tier Essential Plus kit could be seen in premium economy and business class cabins.
The Premium Kit (pictured in the headline image) offers a sanitising spray rather than gel and bundles the package in a satin pouch – both small touches than may be appreciated by business and first class passengers.
Social distancing seating
The commercial aviation industry has needed to adapt quickly during this 'black swan' event, of which Formia's The Clean Kit is just one example. Even seat manufacturers are exploring ways to minimise the risk of disease transmission between passengers.
London-based Factorydesign revealed its new Isolate module to help enforce inflight social distancing. While still in early development, the Isolate kit clamps onto the armrests of any standard economy seat to provide “maximum personal space and separation for adjacent passengers,” Factorydesign says.
Factorydesign also says the Isolate will “have a life after the Covid-19 era” by converting short-range economy seats into a Euro-business style offering.
Also read: Qantas hopes to fill middle seats with 'social distancing exemption'
Based in Perth, Brandon enjoys tucking into local delicacies, discovering new cocktails, and making aeroplane food look good on camera.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1224
Flying really is becoming miserable. Last year we talked about how fancy an airline's champagne was, this year it is how fancy their face masks are
12 Jun 2014
Total posts 71
It's character building...
05 Feb 2020
Total posts 31
Its a good reminder to airlines that its people sitting in those seats, not just numbers. Hopefully this will bring change, especially on long haul flights and in economy seating.
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