Boeing has submitted a new super-hygienic “Clean Cabin-Fresh Lavatory” concept to the Crystal Cabin Awards, which ticks all the boxes on passenger comfort and cabin health.
The lavatory combines applied technologies to ensure hygiene and easy maintenance. Boeing lists the features as follows:
- Faster and more effective Far UV disinfection unit that can actively sanitise surfaces, air, and water in the lavatory
- Uses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill 99.99 percent of germs
- Touch-less features that can minimise transmission of disease-causing microorganisms
- Architectural features and material design that can eliminate accumulation of dirt and enhance the clean look of the space.
- The cleaning system can disinfect all surfaces after every use in just three seconds.
The lavatory’s Far UV light is only activated when the lavatory is unoccupied.
“Far UV is different from the UVA or UVB light in tanning beds, and is not harmful to people,” Boeing explains. “Engineers have shown through testing on their prototype that this innovation can minimise the growth and potential transmission of micro-organisms.”
The airframe manufacturer has already filed a patent for the design concept.
“We’re trying to alleviate the anxiety we all face when using a restroom that gets a workout during a flight,” said Jeanne Yu, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Director of Environmental Performance.
“In the prototype, we position the lights throughout the lavatory so that it floods the touch surfaces like the toilet seat, sink and countertops with the UV light once a person exits the lavatory. This sanitising even helps eliminate odours,” she added.
Boeing says the concept requires further study before it can be offered to airlines, but some design elements are already proven in the field.
“Some of the touchless features are already in use on some Boeing airplanes today,” said Yu. “But combining that with the new UV sanitizing will give passengers even more protection from germs and make for an even better flying experience.”
Clean Fresh Cabin Lavatory, Crystal Cabin Award Finalists 2016, Source: Boeing
KING-5 TV, NBC Seattle Affiliate, Aviation reporter, Glenn Farley had a tour of the new toilet and shared short clips on Twitter.
A quick walkthrough of Boeing's self cleaning lab. You also don't have to touch anything. pic.twitter.com/ATsgqv3c6J
— Glenn Farley (@GlennFarleyK5) March 3, 2016
Boeing's new lavatory uses FarUV light to zap bacteria and viruses for 3 seconds after every use. pic.twitter.com/MnBrRB8SWD
— Glenn Farley (@GlennFarleyK5) March 3, 2016
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