Safe Air on Airplanes Act

The Safe Air on Airplanes Act would push the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to overhaul air-supply regulations to phase out bleed air systems in most aircraft. Within six months of enactment, the FAA would be required to update regulations to: (1) ban use of bleed air in new type-certified turbine and turboprop aircraft designs; (2) require that, starting seven years after enactment, any bleed air system in newly manufactured aircraft include a filter or filter/air-cleaning device capable of removing oil fumes and other contaminants; and (3) gradually eliminate bleed air in existing aircraft designs—reaching 25% of such aircraft without bleed air by year 10, 50% by year 20, and 100% by year 30. The bill defines a bleed air system as an air system that uses compressed air drawn from an engine or APU before combustion and provides pressurized air that passengers or crew could inhale or come into contact with (e.g., for ventilation). The goal is to improve cabin air quality and reduce exposure to oil fumes, but it would require significant regulatory updates and industry adaptations.