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 99.9% of particulates and prevent them
from re-circulating back to the cabin.
"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
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SOURCE Boeing