Boeing Develops New Technology To Sterilize Aircraft

JAKARTA - Concerns for airline workers and passengers about the spread of COVID-19 have sparked pressure from airlines to launch new technology. This technology is used to sterilize aircraft.

Boeing developed a handheld device that emits ultraviolet (UV) light to neutralize bacteria and viruses, as part of a series of methods to disinfect the entire cabin.

The handheld device will eliminate the need to use alcohol or other disinfectants that can damage sensitive electronic equipment, according to Boeing's chief engineer for the ecoDemonstrator program, Rae Lutters, quoted from Antara on Saturday, August 22.

Boeing is considering licensing the technology and hiring a third-party company in the fall to start producing handheld devices for commercial use.

Boeing has worked on the technology with 13 different airlines.

Boeing technical colleague who led the testing of the handheld prototype, Kevin Callahan, said there was intense interest as operators sought to restore confidence in the world of aviation as the pandemic wore off.

Under increasingly stringent cleaning practices, many airlines have begun using electrostatic disinfectants, which kill viruses on contact as well as antimicrobial sprays, which form a coating over 30 days.

Boeing is also testing an antimicrobial coating for aircraft surfaces.