With cabin cleanliness in the forefront of everyone’s minds, Qatar Airways is taking a step forward – with the airline being the first global carrier to operate Honeywell’s Ultraviolet (UV) Cabin System.
The Honeywell UV Cabin Cleaning System, aboard a Qatar Airways aircraft. Image, Qatar Airways
The UV Cabin Cleaning system is about the size of an airline beverage cart, that has extendable UV arms that treat aircraft seats, surfaces and cabins without using cleaning chemicals.
The airline has received six of these units so far, with the devices going under test at Qatar Airways home base of Hamad International Airport. The airline is aiming to obtain more of these in the near future, in order to operate them onboard all aircraft turnarounds its base.
In the meantime, Qatar Airways’ aircraft will continue to be regularly disinfected using cleaning products recommended by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Honeywell UV Cabin System will be utilised as an additional step after manual disinfection. In addition, the airline’s onboard linen and blankets will continue to be washed, dried and pressed at microbial lethal temperatures, while its headsets are rigorously sanitised after each flight. These items are then sealed into individual packaging by staff wearing hygienic disposable gloves.
In Quotes
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr Akbar Al Baker, said:
“We are pleased to be the first global airline to operate the Honeywell UV Cabin System onboard our aircraft. In clinical tests, UV light has been shown to be capable of inactivating various viruses and bacteria when properly applied at specified doses.
“During these unprecedented times, the health and safety of our crew and passengers continues to be of the utmost importance. Since the start of the pandemic, we have been regularly introducing new and effective safety and hygiene measures onboard our aircraft, based on our unparalleled expertise of flying consistently throughout.”
Honeywell Aerospace President EMEAI, Mr James Currier, said
“Honeywell has technology today that can make air travel safer – from the traveller to the airport worker, throughout the airport and onboard the aircraft. We’re working across business lines to develop new products such as Honeywell ThermoRebellion, a new temperature-monitoring solution – Environmental Control System Check, which allows airlines to monitor air flow in the cabin, and an array of Personal Protective Equipment. All this allows for cleaner and safer airports.”
You’ll still need to wear a mask and face shield
Whilst this work is carried out before departure, the strict PPE requirements Qatar Airways has will remain in place. These include offering face shields to all passengers, in addition to a disposable protective gown for cabin crew, which is fitted over their uniforms, in addition to safety glasses, gloves and a mask.
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