RH Aero, DASH Aero and Austrian Airlines Advance APU Steam Cleaning for Improved Cabin Air Quality on A320 Family Aircraft

Vienna, Austria, July 3^rd, 2026 - RH Aero, together with DASH Aero and Austrian Airlines, has completed a successful validation trial of the Steam Cleaning Unit, a newly developed APU cleaning solution, designed for the Airbus A320 family.

The trial was conducted in April 2026 on an Austrian Airlines A320. It focused on cleaning the APU inlet, plenum and compartment using a controlled steam-based process developed to support preventive maintenance, improve cleaning consistency and help reduce factors that can contribute to cabin odour events.

APU inlet ducts and surrounding compartments are exposed to operational contamination over time. Oil residues, dust, anti-icing and other deposits can build up in areas connected to the aircraft’s air system. When mobilized during APU operation, this contamination may contribute to unwanted odours entering the cabin environment.

RH Aeros Steam Cleaning Solution was developed to address this maintenance challenge with a repeatable, equipment-supported process. The unit uses steam, water and cleaning agent in defined operating modes to clean the APU intake and compartment more efficiently than manual methods. It supports wash, rinse and steam-only operation, giving maintenance teams a controlled process for different contamination levels and cleaning requirements.

“The feedback from the Austrian Airlines trial confirms exactly why this development matters,” said Jan-Marco Streif, Product Manager Engine Wash, at RH Aero. “APU cleaning has often depended on manual work, unspecific tools and time-consuming AMM tasks. With our Steam Cleaning Solution, operators gain a faster and defined process, better handling and a clear path toward more consistent preventive maintenance.”

The validation trial brought together three areas of expertise. RH Aero further developed and industrialized the equipment, supports distribution and lifecycle service, and brings global aviation support capability to the product. DASH Aero contributed its specialist experience in APU cleaning services and operational applications. Austrian Airlines provided the aircraft environment, technical evaluation and engineering feedback from a real on-wing maintenance setting.

From an engineering perspective, Austrian Airlines described the results as highly convincing. The trial feedback highlighted the system’s effectiveness in removing contamination, while also noting advantages in handling and processing time compared to current cleaning methods. Austrian Airlines is now assessing next steps for possible implementation, including both in-house use of the equipment and external service support.

“Clean APU inlet ducts and compartments may play a role in preventing cabin odour events,” said Bernhard Schreckensperger, Fleetmanager Airbus at Austrian Airlines, in his feedback following the trial. “The system demonstrated superior effectiveness in removing contamination, while also offering notable advantages in handling and processing time compared to current cleaning methods.”

RH Aeros Steam Cleaning Unit is currently validated for the Airbus A320 family and listed in the Airbus AMM. The system is independent from the type of APU and can be used in the hangar or on the apron, provided suitable effluent capture and disposal are assured in line with local requirements.

RH Aero offers the Steam Cleaning Unit for purchase, loan and trial use. On-site training can be provided on request. The equipment is supported by RH Aero’s lifecycle service portfolio, including on-site service, spare parts, repair and upgrades.

The current Steam Cleaning Solution marks an important step in RH Aero’s broader roadmap for APU cleaning.

Looking to make APU cleaning a more controlled part of your preventive maintenance program?

Talk to RH Aero about available trial options, on-site demonstrations or service support for your fleet. A cleaner APU inlet and compartment can support cabin air quality, airflow performance and long-term APU reliability.