ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Even the most seasoned of frequent flyers turn into germophobes on a long-haul flight, given the state of the toilet. Now airline manufacturer Boeing is promising a solution with the development of a self-cleaning toilet.

It says it has found a wayto use ultraviolet light to kill 99.99 per cent of germs in the lavatories, disinfect all surfaces after every use in three seconds and keep the washroom germ-free.

Lavatories that constantly clean themselves while in the air could help slow the spread of infectious diseases borne by passengers jetting between continents, said George Hamlin, an aviation consultant. The invention could also reduce airlines' maintenance bills if it doesn't involve many moving parts, he said. Airbus Group SE is working on a similar concept.

Boeing's toilet prototype uses a type of ultraviolet light, different from the rays in tanning beds, that doesn't harm humans. Activated only when the airliner toilet isn't in use, the lights flood touch surfaces such as the toilet seat, sink and countertop.

"We're trying to alleviate the anxiety we all face when using a restroom that gets a workout during a flight," Jeanne Yu, director of environmental performance for Boeing's commercial airplanes division, said in a statement.

Airbus is working on its own improvements for airline bathrooms according to Ingo Wuggetzer, the European company's vice president of marketing.

"Airbus is developing touchless technologies for our future lavs, and we will also include anti-bacterial surfaces as an upcoming lav feature," Wuggetzer said. "Moreover, as well as improving lav hygiene, the ambiance and overall freshness will be noticeably enhanced."

Boeing has filed a patent for the concept which it says can minimise the growth and potential transmission of micro-organisms. The sanitising even helps rid a washroom of odours.

It also operates without being touched. The cleaning system would lift and close the toilet seat by itself so that all surfaces are exposed during the cleaning cycle, according to Boeing. Other perks for those worried about germs - a hands-free tap, soap dispenser, bin flap, toilet lid and hand dryer.

The plane maker is also studying a hands-free door latch and vacuum vent system for floor spillage.