New Delhi: With the use of sophisticated robotic devices, Air India Express becomes the first airline in India to use high-end technologies for cleaning and disinfecting the aircraft interiors.
According to reports, Air India Express collaborated with ground handling agency AISATS (Air India SATS) to introduce the new technology starting Thursday in India. The cleaning and disinfecting operations of the interiors of the aircrafts took place at Delhi Airport.
In an official statement released by Air India Express, they said, "Air India Express becomes India's first airline to introduce robotic technology to disinfect and clean aircraft interiors. A UV Robotic device fitted with UV Disinfection Lamping system was engaged by the Airline today at Delhi airport to disinfect its Boeing 737-800 aircraft."
Speaking of the UV-C technology implemented, it was conveyed that the robotic device which is specifically designed to clean aircraft seats comes with collapsible arms. Along with the seats, the device is also capable of brushing off germs and bacteria from under-seat areas, inside overhead baggage compartment, aisle ceiling, window panels, cockpit instrumentation area, overhead switch panel and interiors.
The statement further read, "UV-C disinfection system is identified worldwide as one of the most effective forms of disinfection. This technology is tested and approved by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration) laboratory for its efficiency to disinfect the surfaces from germs, bacteria and viruses."
Notably, AI Express has declared that it has plans to further extend the technology in aircraft cleaning and disinfecting in the aircraft operating from other airports in its network.
Meanwhile, International flights between UK and India are set to open from January 8, 2021.
While Air India Express is a fully-owned subsidiary of Air India, the ground handling agency AISATS is a joint venture between Air India (AI) and Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) Private Limited. AI Express usually is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.
The cleaning and disinfection of the aircraft interiors come in light of the ongoing covid pandemic which has caused tremors globally and has travelled transboundary as a result of the transport of passengers and goods internationally.