CTT Targets B777-300ER Retrofit for First Class Cabin Humidification

NYKÖPING, Sweden, September 10, 2013 CTT SYSTEMS (CTT), the leading provider of humidification systems for cockpit, crew rest and cabin areas, and the unprecedented market leader in de-humidification of commercial aircraft structures, today unveiled the groundbreaking retrofit CAIR™ system for humidifying the first class cabin on B777-300ER, making it possible to increase the humidity for premium travelers from the insanitary 5%-level to 20-25% without any significant impact on payload/range.

“This B777-300ER CAIR™ system is based on operator requirements and demand for an economical system solving an essential piece of the air born well-being puzzle”, say Peter Landquist VP Sales. “The increased humidity level will enhance premium passengers’ overall in-flight experience, not only will they arrive more rested with less negative impact from jetlag, but also without skin, eye and throat problems; and higher humidity restores the delicate taste of both food and wine for the passenger, flavors lost in the drier cabin ambience.

Cabin humidification has been a common feature on VIP aircraft for more than a decade. CTT dominates this market segment with significant wins over the past years with a total of 50+ installations; covering all major VIP aircraft programs such as Boeing BBBJ1/BBJ2/BBJ3, B777-300/B777-200 and B747-8, as well as Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 and A330-200/A330-300. Airline demand for premium cabin humidification is now growing steadily. It is not the first time VIP Aircraft technology will transfer into commercial aircraft. CTT has already being awarded the cabin humidification SFE on A350XWB, also more frequently gets airline requests for this to be available for fleet retrofit.

The B777-300ER CAIR™ system is reliable and extraordinary efficient, both in terms of technology and design, making retrofit economically feasible for B777-300ER airliners. The net weight is negligible, thanks to our unique drying technology, Zonal Drying™, not only preventing condensation problems but drying any accumulated water in the structure of the first class cabin section, and thanks to our efficient humidification technology with low water consumption, not requiring airlines to carry additional water.”

Peter Landquist commenting further, “This is a paradigm shift for airlines aiming to provide its premium travelers with industry best services and most sophisticated flight experiences. An important obstacle is removed when humidified air can be provided without any constrains in the, ever so important, payload/range equation.”

Airlines reviewing their strategies to defend and develop their full-service model in an attempt to differentiate against competition including low cost carriers and/or against the improved business and premium economy class, seek new innovation. As a consequence, new state-of-the-art cabins will be introduced on the worldwide B777 fleet. Although the differentiators vary between airlines, the next generation premium cabin will leapfrog interior, design and include new features such as better cabin lighting, improved seating/sleeping facilities and the latest in IFEC. The objective is to increase passenger experience and wellbeing to motivate the premium price.

“The fact that passengers paying the most have been exposed to insanitary dry air has long been an eyesore for the industry. From now on, they can fully benefit from all airline investments in new, better first class cabins.”

About CAIR™- B777-300ER

• CAIR™ increases humidity from insanitary low levels (4-6%) to 20-23%
• Water consumption/hour: 3.2 l/h
• In-Service Water Consumption (on a typical 15 hour flight): 43 Liters (humidifier activated 13.5 hour
• Water Supply: Aircraft potable water (no additional supply needed)
• Total in-service System Weight: 58 kg (128 lbs) (System include both de-humidifying and humidifying units)
• Retrofit estimated Installation hours: 180h
• The CAIR™ B777-300ER Cabin Humidification System will have a lifetime equaling the aircraft; surviving all upcoming lifecycle cabin interior reforms.

Long-haul flights and dry air

On long-haul flights passengers and crew are exposed to relative humidity (RH) levels of less than 5% in first class, 7-10% in business class and 10-15% in economy class. The only humidity contribution in the aircraft is coming from the passengers and crew. And ironically, the cabin with less seat density and with the highest cost per seat is the one with the lowest humidity.

The extremely dry air in the cabin is a well-known fact and most passengers have experienced discomfort from it, such as cold and allergy symptoms, sleeping difficulties, dry skin and eyes and general fatigue. How the RH impacts the human body is an area of growing scientific interest. Several medical studies conclude that even a slight increase of air relative humidity, from extremely low levels, is beneficial from a health point of view, as the increased humidity improve tear film stability and nasal patency. It also reduces headaches and ocular, nasal and dermal dryness symptoms.

For additional information:

Torbjörn Johansson, President, CTT Systems AB.

Tel. +46-155-20 59 01 alt. mobile. +46-70-665 24 46, or E-mail: torbjorn.johansson@ctt.se

OR,

Peter Landquist, VP Sales & Marketing CTT Systems AB

Tel. +46-155-20 59 02 alt. mobile.+46-70-665 24 45, or E-mail peter.landquist@ctt.se

Also visit: www.ctt.se

CTTs products Zonal Drying ™, Cair ™, Flight Deck and Crew Humidifier are standard or optional equipment on Boeing B787, Airbus A350 and A380. CTT has today more than 450 systems installed in more than 30 airlines worldwide. CTT has now 20 years of operating experience on the Zonal Drying ™ system plus 14 years on Cair™ and Crew Humidifier systems. IATAs report on fuel-saving measures is now including Zonal Drying ™ as one of the few available fuel-saving systems for retrofitting.