Robotic technology being introduced by Air India to disinfect interiors of aircrafts

Robotic technology: In a groundbreaking development, Air India Express, the subsidiary of India’s official airline Air India, has become the first Indian airline to introduce robotic technology for cleaning and disinfecting aircrafts’ interiors through use of ultraviolet Robotic device. 

In a press release on Thursday, Air India Express said, “A UV (ultraviolet) robotic device fitted with UV disinfection lamping system was engaged by the airline today at Delhi airport to disinfect its Boeing 737-800 aircraft.”

The airline shared its plans of extending this technology in future for aircraft operating from other airports in India too. 

The robotic device using ultraviolet radiation has been specifically devised for disinfecting aircraft seats, under seat areas, aisle ceiling, window panels, inside overhead baggage department, cockpit instrumentation area, overhead switch panel and interiors from viruses and bacteria. 

The device with be fitted with collapsible arms which will help the UV-C light to reach inaccessible areas while performing the manual disinfection in the cabin. 

NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration) laboratory has tested the technology and thereby given its approval. According to the airline, the approval has been given to use the device for efficiently disinfecting various surfaces from bacteria, viruses and germs. In India the technology was launched in collaboration with ground handling agency AISATS. 

It is hoped that the new technology will help in restoring the confidence of safe flying among customers in a time when the aviation sector is struggling to increase traffic volume amid constant hikes in coronavirus cases. 

It may be noted that domestic and international flights have resumed under directives from Government of India after initial ban in March. Though the domestic airlines have now been permitted to operate at 100% capacity, international air travel is still banned, apart from certain bubble arrangements.