Boeing Licenses Ultraviolet Wand to Healthe, Inc. to Counter COVID-19
Boeing has entered a patent and technology license with Healthe Inc. to produce a UV wand aimed at sanitizing airplane interiors as part of its Confident Travel Initiative. The wand disinfects surfaces using 222 nanometer UVC light, designed to be more effective than existing devices. Healthe will manufacture and distribute the wand, expected to be available to airlines by late fall 2020. This initiative is part of Boeing’s larger effort to enhance safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic, complementing existing sanitization measures like high-efficiency filters.
- Boeing's UV wand designed to enhance airplane safety and sanitization.
- Partnership with Healthe Inc. to manufacture and distribute UV wand.
- Technology expected to be available to airlines by late fall 2020.
- Potential market saturation with similar sanitization devices.
SEATTLE, Sept. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] entered into a patent and technology license with Florida-based Healthe® Inc. today under which Healthe will manufacture an ultraviolet (UV) wand designed to sanitize airplane interiors. Boeing designed and developed the UV wand as part of the company's Confident Travel Initiative (CTI) to support customers and enhance the safety and well-being of passengers and crews during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The UV wand is designed to be more effective than similar devices. It quickly disinfects surfaces on an airplane and further strengthens other layers of protection for passengers and crew," said Mike Delaney, who leads Boeing's CTI efforts. "Boeing spent six months transforming an idea for the wand into a working model, and Healthe will now take that prototype and make it available to the world at large."
Healthe will produce and distribute the commercial wand, helping airlines and potentially others combat the coronavirus pandemic. The technology could be available for airlines in late fall. The device is an addition to sanitizing and protective measures already in place, which include the use of high-efficiency particulate air filters that trap more than
"We are proud to be assisting Boeing as they work with their partner airlines to enhance in-cabin plane sanitization efforts. This could also benefit schools, hospitals, offices, wherever pathogens go," said Abe Morris, Healthe executive chairman. "As we ramp up deployment of our cutting-edge UVC and Far-UVC 222 light solutions across many sectors, this new commercial-grade wand will be another powerful tool in the sanitization arsenal to protect passengers against the spread of harmful viruses."
The UV wand uses 222 nanometer UVC light. Research indicates 222 nanometer UVC inactivates pathogens effectively.
Using the self-contained apparatus that resembles a carry-on suitcase, crews can pass UV light over high-touch surfaces, sanitizing everywhere the light reaches. The UV wand is particularly effective in compact spaces and sanitizes a flight deck in less than 15 minutes.
As part of CTI, Boeing solicited feedback from multiple industry sources, which aided in quickly validating this technology. Etihad Airways was the first to evaluate the device, and the UV wand was demonstrated on the Etihad 787-10 ecoDemonstrator airplane on Aug. 21.
The mission of Boeing's Confident Travel Initiative is to be a leader in the global effort to provide passengers and crew a safe, healthy and efficient travel experience.
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
Healthe is the technology leader in developing and deploying sanitization, circadian and biological lighting solutions that inactivate viruses and bacteria in the air and on surfaces, regulate the body's internal clock, boost performance and enhance sleep. Its mission is to harness the power of light to create a safer, more productive and healthier environment. Learn more at www.healtheinc.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Boeing Contact:
Peter Pedraza
312-618-8998
peter.p.pedraza@boeing.com
Healthe Inc. Contact:
Mallory McDonald
302-853-5344
Healthe@Pinkston.co
View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boeing-licenses-ultraviolet-wand-to-healthe-inc-to-counter-covid-19-301135616.html
SOURCE Boeing
FAQ
What is Boeing's new UV wand for?
Who is manufacturing Boeing's UV wand?
When will the UV wand be available to airlines?
What technology does the Boeing UV wand use?
How fast can the UV wand sanitize surfaces?
