British travellers are worried about bacterial contamination on aircraft, according to a recent survey.

The study reported that 53 percent of the travellers surveyed by Microban Europe, a company producing antibacterial products, are apprehensive about bacterial infection from seat covers, cushions, and head rests, while travelling with airlines.

Alison Southcombe, the marketing director at Microban Europe, said, ‘Air travel puts you in a confined space close to many other people where you breathe recycled air for a long period of time and where your body’s natural defences are often compromised.

While airlines and aircraft manufacturers clearly take subjects such as air filtration and cleanliness very seriously, there is considerable potential for nasty bacteria to spread, and our research shows that travellers are deeply aware of this danger.

A very effective level of antibacterial protection could be build into aircraft interiors. On unprotected surfaces, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes but our technology disrupts this process, typically killing all bacteria within a 24-hour period.’

Around 52 percent of respondents have also claimed to be worried about bacterial infection from contaminated built-in trays, armrests and the backs of airline seats. Around 90 percent of respondents would feel more assured if airlines offered antibacterial protection in aircraft interior fabrics and plastics.

A recent finding by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that viruses and bacteria may survive for long periods on the surface of seats, armrests, tray tables, remote control devices and inside stowage pockets on the back seats of the airplanes.