Ultraviolet Light used to Disinfect Aircraft at United Airlines
As part of its most recent efforts to provide its passengers and employees with a safe, clean, COVID-19 free air travel experience, United Airlines announced that it is adding ultraviolet light to its cleaning arsenal.
Earlier this year the airline announced a partnership with the Cleveland Clinic and Clorox to team up and make their airplanes as virus-free as possible.
In addition to cleaning each aircraft between flights with electro-static disinfectant sprayers, and wiping down all high-touch surfaces in the cabin, United has also been requiring face masks for both passengers and employees.
Cleaning crews and the pilots also wipe down surfaces in the cockpit to keep crew members safe, but this can be challenging give the number of buttons, knobs and other sensitive equipment at the front of each aircraft.
Now, the airlines says it will being using a new handheld tool ideal for disinfecting sensitive switches and touch screen displays with the power of UV light.
credit: United Airlines
The devices, AUVCo blades from the American Ultraviolet company, are able to effectively “kill any viruses that may reside on sensitive switches and touch screen displays within the flight deck,” according to a press release from United.
“Safety is our highest priority and we continue to research, test and roll out new technologies to keep our aircraft and terminals safe for both customers and crew,” said Bryan Quigley, United’s senior vice president of flight operations.
“Flight decks have many working parts, screens and components that are challenging to clean with traditional hand wipes and liquids, especially for someone who isn’t a pilot. The UVC lighting gives us a faster, more effective disinfection of one of the most important areas of the aircraft.”
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