Text: Magnus Attefall
Audience: Air freighter pilots and decision-makers in the aviation industry
Introduction:
This article reflects my work in turning complex cockpit climate systems into relevant, benefit-driven messaging for safety and aviation stakeholders. Instead of simply listing specifications, I’ve used this piece to highlight how CTT Systems’ Humidifier Onboard brings measurable health benefits to long-haul cargo pilots — connecting inflight humidity to alertness, comfort, and safer skies. It’s part of my broader approach to making human impact the center of aviation tech storytelling.
Pilots on air freighters face a unique challenge: the same dry, harsh cabin conditions as passenger flights, but often with even longer hours and fewer breaks. CTT Systems’ Humidifier Onboard is now transforming air freighter flight decks, ensuring that every cargo pilot enjoys the same health, comfort, and safety benefits as their colleagues in passenger aviation.
The hidden risks of low humidity at cruising altitudes
At cruising altitude, air freighters experience extremely low relative humidity, sometimes as low as 3%, drier than the world’s harshest deserts. Without intervention, these conditions can compromise a pilot’s alertness, decision-making, and overall well-being, making every long-haul mission a challenge to both health and safety.
Effects of low humidity on pilot health
Dry cabin air leads to a range of health issues for pilots, including:
- Dry eyes, nose, throat, and skin
- A weakened immune system
- Increased fatigue
- Diminished taste and smell
Research by Candice C. Y. Wen at the University of Melbourne found that nearly 82% of pilots and cabin crew have operated flights while fatigued, highlighting the urgent need for improved cabin conditions.
The Humidifier Onboard solution
CTT Systems’ Humidifier Onboard for air freighters utilizes potable water to increase relative humidity to a comfortable 17% in the flight deck and 22% in the crew rest compartments. This significant improvement creates a healthier environment and supports pilot well-being in several ways:
Strengthening pilot immunity
By maintaining optimal humidity, the system helps protect pilots’ immune defenses, reducing their vulnerability to illnesses during and after flights.
Protecting vision and enhancing comfort
Higher humidity levels alleviate dry eyes and skin, helping pilots stay focused and alert throughout long cargo missions.
Superior air quality and VOC reduction
In collaboration with Swedish air filtration specialists Camfil, CTT Systems has integrated an advanced active carbon filter into the Humidifier Onboard system. This technology reduces harmful substances, such as acetone and benzene, further improving onboard air quality.
Proven benefits across top aircraft models
Humidifier Onboard technology is already standard equipment on over 90% of Boeing 787s and available as an option on Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X models. Now, this proven solution is being extended to air freighters like the Airbus A350F, ensuring that cargo pilots receive the same health and safety benefits as their passenger counterparts.
Extending wellness benefits to air freighters
With the booming global air cargo industry, we’re extending the Humidifier Onboard to widebody freighters like the Airbus A350F. This move recognizes that cargo pilots deserve the same health benefits and safety enhancements as their passenger-flying counterparts.
Safer skies, healthier pilots
The introduction of Humidifier Onboard for air freighters marks a significant leap forward in aviation health standards. As more operators recognize the importance of cabin humidity for pilot well-being and flight safety, wider adoption of this technology is expected across the industry.
Investing in pilot health helps ensure safer skies and a more sustainable future for aviation.
Humidifier Onboard Air Freighters
– for safer skies and healthier air freighter pilots
- Date: June 28, 2025
- Categories: Articles
- Client CTT Systems