Tests were done last July and confirmed by Arizona University. It shows that all techniques of disinfection used by the airlines companies are very efficient against covid-19 notably and that probability of infection on board is extremely weak.
In parallel with a recent common communication of IATA including Airbus, Embraer and Boeing on the health quality of the air on board of commercial airliners, the American builder led a series of tests last July with Arizona University to test “live” the efficiency of different techniques of disinfection currently used the main airlines companies. These techniques are very efficient to kill the majority of virus, including coronavirus responsible of covid-19.
Efficiency of all kinds of products and techniques of disinfection
Tests were carried out as part of the “Confident Travel” initiative on board of an empty Boeing which was infected by a virus alive called "MS2". The department of environmental sciences of Arizona University has correlated the results with SRAS-Cov-2, a virus responsible of covid-19 disease in a protected laboratory environment. Safe and harmless to humans, the bacteriophage virus MS2 is nevertheless more difficult to destroy than SARS-Cov. It was used the very first time in an airplane cabin. As part of the study, the MS2 was therefore deposited at strategic locations with high contact density throughout the cabin: shelves, armrests, seat cushions, upper storage compartments, toilet interiors, kitchen block, etc. Technicians then disinfected each area using a variety of products and technologies. Disinfectants were applied manually and with an electrostatic sprayer. The tests also measured the effectiveness of the antimicrobial fabrics and Boeing's ultraviolet disinfection system. In the end, the results showed different levels of effectiveness, but all recommended products, methods and materials were effective in destroying the MS2 virus.