Turning Up the Heat on COVID-19 in the Flight Deck
Boeing [NYSE: BA], in collaboration with the University of Arizona, has validated thermal disinfection as an effective method to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 on flight decks. Testing showed over 99.99% of the virus can be destroyed at 50 degrees Celsius within three hours, with significant efficacy at 40 degrees Celsius. This initiative is part of Boeing's Confident Travel Initiative, emphasizing passenger and crew safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thermal disinfection presents a viable solution for sanitizing sensitive equipment where traditional disinfectants are ineffective.
- Thermal disinfection can eliminate over 99.99% of SARS-CoV-2 after three hours at 50 degrees Celsius.
- Testing conducted in a controlled lab environment enhances credibility of results.
- The flight deck's design allows safe thermal disinfection up to 70 degrees Celsius.
- None.
SEATTLE, Dec. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the University of Arizona put an age-old technique, thermal disinfection, to use in the fight against COVID-19. Researchers validated that applying heat to surfaces, especially on hard-to-clean flight deck equipment, effectively eliminates SARS-CoV-2.
Results indicate that the virus can be destroyed by more than
"Passenger and crew safety are our top priorities — that extends from the cabin to the flight deck," said Michael Delaney, who leads Boeing's Confident Travel Initiative (CTI) efforts. "Thermal disinfection could deliver another valuable tool to destroy COVID-19 on sensitive and difficult-to-reach components that protect pilots."
Boeing completed the testing as part of its CTI effort to support customers and enhance the safety and well-being of passengers and crews during the COVID-19 pandemic. This testing was conducted in a protected laboratory environment at the university using flight deck parts and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, this fall.
"We're basically cooking the virus," said Dr. Charles Gerba, University of Arizona microbiologist and infectious disease expert. "Thermal disinfection is one of the oldest ways to kill disease-causing micro-organisms. It's used by microbiologists in our laboratory every day."
The flight deck is one of the most challenging areas to sanitize using traditional chemical disinfectants. In areas with sensitive electronic equipment, heat has the ability to disinfect without adverse effects from cleaners. The flight deck is designed to withstand temperatures up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (about 70 degrees Celsius), which makes thermal disinfection a safe, practical and effective sanitization method.
As air travel is fundamentally disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, Boeing and the University of Arizona continue to test recommended cleaning methods in a lab against SARS-CoV-2 and other similar viruses to further validate their efficacy.
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the 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.
Contact:
Boeing Communications
media@boeing.com
University of Arizona Communications
Rosemary Brandt
rjbrandt@arizona.edu
View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/turning-up-the-heat-on-covid-19-in-the-flight-deck-301192878.html
SOURCE Boeing
FAQ
What is Boeing's recent initiative related to COVID-19?
What temperature is required for effective thermal disinfection at Boeing?
How does thermal disinfection benefit Boeing's flight decks?
What is Boeing's Confident Travel Initiative?
