This archive report was first published on 3 August 2020.
August 3, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked concerns about air travel safety, but American aircraft manufacturer Boeing is confident in its safety measures.
As countries, including Kenya, ease travel restrictions, Boeing has emphasized the safety features of its commercial planes.
According to Jim Haas, Director of Product Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, the company has implemented multiple layers of protection for air travel, including advanced air filtration systems, regular checks, efficient cleaning procedures, and the use of ultra-violet lights to disinfect surfaces.
Haas noted that Boeing's commercial planes have been fitted with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which can pull out 99.9% of viruses from the plane. The cabin air is exchanged every 2-3 minutes, further reducing the risk of virus transmission.
Boeing is also developing a portable ultraviolet light that can be used to disinfect surfaces like the flight deck, switches, and controls. Additionally, the company is working on embedding ultraviolet lights in lavatories to disinfect surfaces between passengers' usage.
Haas advised passengers to follow airline guidelines and take precautions such as wearing face coverings, following hand sanitization procedures, and rescheduling flights if feeling unwell.
With 18 million people infected and 700,000 deaths worldwide as of August 3, Boeing's safety measures aim to minimize the risk of virus transmission during air travel.
