Qatar
Airways has announced it will use an ultraviolet cleaning system to treat aircraft
seats, surfaces and cabins. The airline says that clinical tests have shown
that UV light is capable of inactivating various viruses and bacteria when
properly applied.
The Honeywell UV Cabin System is
about the size of a beverage cart and has extendable UV arms. The airline has
already bought six of the systems and tested them comprehensively on board its
planes. It will acquire additional units in order to operate them onboard all
aircraft turnarounds at Hamad International Airport (HIA).
Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al
Baker said: “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.”
The airline’s aircraft will
continue to be regularly disinfected using cleaning products recommended by IATA
and WHO and the UV will be used after manual disinfection is complete.
Ultraviolet light is already being
used inside Hamad International Airport where autonomous UV-C disinfectant
robots are deployed in high passenger flow areas to reduce the spread of
pathogens.
The airline has employed a number
of hygiene measures since the start of the pandemic. In July, it introduced new
personal protective equipment (PPE) for both customers and cabin crew. The
airline offers face shields to all passengers and a disposable protective gown
for cabin crew, which is fitted over their uniforms, in addition to safety
glasses, gloves and a mask.
All passengers are also provided
with a complimentary protective kit containing a mask, disposable powder-free
gloves and an alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel.