RH Aero Demonstrates Steam Cleaning System at Operational Scale in easyJet A320-Family Trial

Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 28, 2026 – Contamination around the Auxiliary Power Unit can present a persistent maintenance challenge for Airbus A320-family operators. Oil, dust, anti-icing residue and other operational deposits can accumulate in the APU Air Intake, APU Air Intake Duct, APU Compartment and APU Access Doors. These areas are difficult to access consistently and contamination within them is recognized as a contributing factor to Smell-in-Cabin (SIC) events.

The RH Aero Steam Cleaning System was developed to provide a dedicated process for this maintenance task. Rather than adapting general-purpose cleaning equipment, the system combines hot steam, integrated water and detergent supply, predefined operating parameters and purpose-built application tooling designed around the aircraft environment.

Its A320-family application has been evaluated on-wing and validated through an Airbus test program. During the validation, the tool demonstrated clear cleaning results compared with non-specific equipment and was formally recorded as validated for the tested application by Airbus.

At London Gatwick Airport, RH Aero, DASH Aero and easyJet completed an extended operational trial across the easyJet Airbus A320-family fleet. The original program covered 60 aircraft over 30 days. By completion, 93 aircraft had been cleaned across 16 nights.

The work was integrated into dedicated overnight maintenance packages alongside scheduled tasks. Once setup and equipment movement became part of the routine, the programme averaged approximately six aircraft per night, exceeding the original planning assumption of three to five aircraft.

According to easyJet: “The programme ran without delays attributable to the trial. There were also no reported post-wash findings, all mandatory actions were completed and certified on every aircraft.”

DASH Aero operated the equipment throughout the trial and reported strong cleaning results, including on aircraft where significant contamination was present.

“The trial has shown that our Steam Cleaning System can be repeatedly used in a live airline maintenance workflow on a meaningful scale,” said Jan-Marco Streif, Product Manager at RH Aero. “It transforms a demanding and time-consuming manual process into an effective, tool-assisted process.”

The Steam Cleaning System provides Wash, Rinse and Steam operating modes through one equipment-supported process providing predefined wash-parameters in accordance with the AMM. Purpose-built lance and nozzle geometry is designed around the APU application, while integrated water and detergent tanks eliminate the need for a continuous water connection during cleaning.

RH Aero is presenting the Steam Cleaning System at Aviation Week MRO Europe 2026 in Amsterdam. Visitors can discuss the A320-family application, operational requirements and evaluation options at booth 7-905.