Secret plane-cleaning routine revealed — how they prep for take-off in record time
They’re doing things on the fly.
A U.S. travel vlogger has revealed how airplanes can be turned around at record speed — ready to take off again just 35 minutes after landing.
Jeb Brooks, who runs a YouTube travel secrets channel, showed his followers how an Aegean Airlines plane was unloaded, reloaded and thoroughly cleaned in just over a half-hour at Thessaloniki Airport in Greece.
“You’ll be amazed at the symphony that happens before, between and after every flight every single day,” Brooks declared in the clip, which has clocked up more than 135,000 views since it was posted earlier this month.
“From the moment that your plane pulls up to the gate, Aegean and their partners at Goldair [an independent ground handling company] have only 35 minutes to get it going on to its next destination,” the vlogger further states as he speaks from the tarmac of the airport.
Handlers are seen unloading luggage from the aircraft, which Brooks explains had already been organized to maximize efficiency.
He claims bags that must go on to connecting flights are first unloaded together, and suitcases that have reached their destination are then taken off the aircraft second.
At the same time, Brooks stated that bags to be loaded onto the plane for the next flight are already “making their way through this complex baggage belt system.”
“It’s truly incredible to see the efficiency with which these ground handlers are unloading this [plane] and getting it ready to head back out,” he stated.
While the handlers are hard at work, aircraft crews have worked to disembark all passengers as fast as possible.
Then, a cleaning crew quickly comes abroad to clean the aircraft and remove all trash left behind.
Brooks doesn’t disclose how many people are a part of the cleaning crew, who sterilize the bathroom, wipe down seats and vacuum the aisle.
Brooks told viewers that while the cleaning and unloading/loading of the plane is happening, the aircraft’s crew is conducting a meeting inside the airport.
“During this time, they’ll discuss the route, weather and anything else particularly unique about the flight, including any special requests or needs from passengers,” he stated.
“[Then] pilots complete a safety check, catering gets loaded, the plane takes on fuel, and the outbound bags come next.”
Finally, new passengers are welcomed aboard the aircraft, which is now fully ready to take to the skies once again.
Viewers were left stunned by the meager amount of time taken to get the plane ready to fly — while an airline employee even chimed in.
“I feel as if passengers take for granted how much of a miracle modern aviation is,” they declared.
“Thanks for highlighting the work we do.”