International. United Airlines announced that it has begun cleaning pilots' flight decks with "Ultraviolet C" lighting technology on most aircraft at its central airports to protect against Covid-19.
The disinfection process provides pilots with a hygienic working environment. The airline is using American Ultraviolet's portable AUVCo blades to kill any viruses that may reside on sensitive switches and touchscreens inside the flight deck.
United has tested a variety of uses for UVC lighting as a disinfectant and has consulted with its Partners United CleanPlus at the Cleveland Clinic to determine that the flight deck was the most effective use of the technology.
"Safety is our top priority and we continue to research, test and implement new technologies to keep our aircraft and terminals safe for both customers and crew," said Bryan Quigley, United's senior vice president of flight operations.
"Flight decks have a lot of working parts, screens and components that are difficult to clean with traditional wipes and liquids, especially for someone who is not a pilot.
"UVC lighting provides us with faster and more effective disinfection of one of the most important areas of the aircraft."
United currently uses electrostatic spraying to disinfect its aircraft cabins, one of the most effective techniques for cleaning around harder-to-reach surfaces, particularly overhead compartments and spaces inside trays.
This latest enhancement to the use of UVC lighting technology is another way United is working with its partners at the Cleveland Clinic to guide its policies and procedures on safety and cleanliness.
