Boeing has created a new set of cleaning and sanitation protocols. Known as Travel Confidently With Boeing, the initiative seeks to ease passengers’ concerns over airborne infections. Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the combination of government-imposed restrictions along with passengers’ newfound fear of infection has led to fewer ticket sales among commercial airlines. And with fewer ticket sales, Boeing isn’t selling as many jets as it did in the past.
Travel Confidently With Boeing, however, may help the U.S.-based aerospace manufacturing company regain its momentum. “As air travel resumes and restrictions ease around the globe, your health and safety are always our top priority. We continue working across the industry to enhance health safeguards and develop new solutions,” wrote Boeing on its official website. So, how exactly is Boeing working to protect passengers from airborne infection?
Filtration
Among the cleaning and sanitation protocols deployed by Boeing includes advanced air filtration. According to Boeing, the air filters used in its jets are able to remove over 99.9% of all infection-causing bacteria and viruses. These are similar air filters, in fact, as used in hospitals and other medical care facilities, so passengers can rest assured knowing they are effective.
Cabin Disinfecting
Boeing has selected over a half-dozen disinfecting products to use inside its cabins. The disinfecting products come from guidance issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Using these products, Boeing will rigorously clean its cabins to neutralize injection-causing viruses and bacteria to provide a safer flying experience for passengers.
UV Light
Boeing isn’t relying strictly on traditional disinfecting products, however. The U.S.-based aerospace manufacturing company is currently researching the use of ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light, of course, has been shown to kill many viruses and bacteria. As a result, Boeing is testing a wand-like device that’s capable of emitting UV light. The idea is that workers can use the UV wand to further sterilize cabins.
Anti-Microbial Coating
Another alternative approach to sanitization Boeing is considering is the use of anti-microbial coatings. Anti-microbial coatings live up to their namesake by inhibiting the growth of microbes, including viruses and bacteria. They are already used extensively in the food production industry. Boeing, however, is testing their efficacy in cabins. Using anti-microbial coatings on commonly touched surfaces could lower the risk of transmission. As a result, part of Travel Confidently With Boeing involves testing anti-microbial coatings.
