Boeing has taken the next step towards the mass production of its previously touted hand-held ultraviolet wand, which it intends to utilise as a means to efficiently sanitise aircraft.
The US planemaker has officially entered a patent and technology licence for its portable UV wand with Florida-based health technology company Healthe Inc.
The partnership will see the mass production of the handheld device, which has been specifically designed to neutralise harmful bacteria and viruses on the interior surfaces of aircraft.
The sanitising wand reportedly emits 222 nanometer UVC light, and may be available to airlines within months.
The device itself can be transported in a container that bears a striking resemblance to a roll-on cabin bag.
The wand is then shone along high-touch areas, with Boeing claiming the device can sanitise an entire flight deck in less than 15 minutes.
“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, head of Boeing’s new Confident Travel Initiative.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Abe Morris, Healthe executive chairman said: “We are proud to be assisting Boeing as they work with their partner airlines to enhance in-cabin plane sanitisation efforts.
“This could also benefit schools, hospitals, offices, wherever pathogens go.”
Boeing first announced the development of the UV wand back in August, and has since conducted a review of the device in partnership with Etihad Airways.
