Flight deck humidification – for safer skies and healthier pilots

The flight deck humidity challenge

Dehydrated mucous membranes weaken the body’s first line of defense against pathogens, increasing the risk of illness. Dry air also leads to fatigue, reduced alertness, and can ultimately compromise flight safety.

It was proved that a 1 percent decrease in relative humidity was associated with a 7-8 percent increase in cases of COVID-19 infections.

Michael P. Ward, Shuang Xiao,
Zhijie Zhang, University of Sydney and Fudan University

Health implications of dry air for pilots

The human body isn’t built to function well in environments with less than 20% relative humidity. In the flight deck, low humidity can cause:

• A weakened immune system, increasing susceptibility to illness both in-flight and after landing
• Dry eyes and skin, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and even allergies
• Decreased sense of taste and smell, affecting meal enjoyment
• Poor sleep quality, as extreme dehydration makes it harder to rest and recover

From desert dryness to an oasis: Humidifier Onboard

CTT Systems’ Humidifier Onboard is transforming the flight deck from a desert into an oasis. This innovative system maintains a comfortable humidity level of 17% in the flight deck and 22% in the flight rest compartment. Using water from the potable tank, the system produces pure water vapor without transmitting viruses or bacteria, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for pilots.

With improved humidity, pilots experience fewer complaints of dry eyes, nasal congestion, and skin irritation. Enhanced air moisture also restores the sense of taste and smell, making meals more enjoyable. Most importantly, better sleep and faster recovery help pilots stay alert and perform at their best throughout long-haul flights.

Setting a new standard in flight deck comfort

CTT Systems’ Humidifier Onboard isn’t just an upgrade—it’s quickly becoming the standard. Over 90% of Boeing 787s and a growing number of Airbus A350s are equipped with this technology, with the Boeing 777X also offering it as an option. As air cargo operations expand, the need for healthy, hydrated flight decks is more important than ever, ensuring all pilots benefit from the same level of comfort and safety.

CTT Systems’ vision for safer, healthier skies

At CTT Systems, we believe in supporting the human element of aviation. Our Humidifier Onboard system creates a healthier, more comfortable workspace for pilots, leading to safer and more pleasant flights for everyone. With every journey, we’re committed to making the skies safer and pilots healthier.

The fact that many respiratory virus infections have a seasonal pattern, where they are much more common during winter, depends partly on the low humidity in the air during those months.

Professor Bertil Forsberg, Umeå University

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