NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – JetBlue is deploying cutting-edge technology to disinfect its fleet of planes at JFK Airport amid the coronavirus pandemic: a beverage-cart-like device with arms that shine germ-killing UV-C light on cabin seats.
The New York City–based airline is the first in the U.S. to use the Honeywell UV Cabin System on its planes, according to a press release Wednesday. Honeywell delivered eight of the devices to JetBlue for use at JFK Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport.
Each device is roughly the size of a beverage cart and has UV-C light arms that extend over the top of seats and sweep the cabin to treat aircraft surfaces, JetBlue said. It takes the device less than 10 minutes to traverse an aircraft cabin.
Clinical studies have shown ultraviolet light is capable of significantly reducing certain viruses and bacteria, including the coronavirus, when properly applied.
"As we look to add additional layers of protection by utilizing cutting-edge technology, we have identified the Honeywell UV Cabin System as a potential game changer when it comes to efficiently assisting in our efforts to sanitize surfaces onboard," said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue's president and COO, in a statement Wednesday.
The airline said it will test the devices on its planes while continuing other measures like ensuring healthy crewmembers, adding space and reducing touchpoints.
"JetBlue took an immediate interest in this new product when we demonstrated it for them just a few weeks ago, and now JetBlue is receiving our first systems," Mike Madsen, Honeywell Aerospace president and CEO, said in a statement. He said the company has ramped up its production in response.
