EASA SD SD-2020-02
SUPERSEDED BY EASA SD-2020-04
Summary
EASA Safety Directive 2020-02 is a safety directive issued on 13 March 2020 addressing operational measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection. It applies to Third Country Operators authorized by EASA to perform commercial air transport of passengers into, within, or out of the European Union territory. The directive focuses on cleaning and disinfecting aircraft and equipping them with Universal Precaution Kits to protect crew members from potential infection.
What Changed
EASA Safety Directive 2020-02 introduces mandatory cleaning and disinfection requirements for aircraft arriving from airports in affected high-risk areas for COVID-19 transmission. It also requires operators to equip aircraft with Universal Precaution Kits to assist crew in handling potentially infectious cases. This directive is a new regulation responding to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation in Europe.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it mandates specific hygiene and safety protocols to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission on aircraft. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain safe operations and protect crew and passengers. Compliance teams need to integrate these requirements into their safety management systems and operational procedures promptly.
What To Do
From 23 March 2020, Third Country Operators must clean and fully disinfect aircraft after each flight from airports in high-risk areas using aviation-approved disinfectants. Alternatively, operators may apply a risk-based disinfection frequency but must ensure full disinfection within 24 hours of departure from such airports. Additionally, aircraft must be equipped with Universal Precaution Kits for crew protection and proper handling of suspected COVID-19 cases.