Technology helps disinfect HKIA

Hong Kong International Airport’s operator is applying the latest disinfectant technology to protect staff and passengers from COVID-19.

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) has deployed disinfection channels, antimicrobial coating and autonomous cleaning robots throughout the airport.

It is the first airport in the world to trial the CleanTech full-body disinfection channel facility, where people will have a temperature check before entering an enclosed channel for the 40-second disinfection and sanitizing procedures.

The interior surface is equipped with an antimicrobial coating to remotely kill viruses and bacteria on the human body and clothing using photocatalyst technology and nano needles.

At present, it is being used by staff who take part in public health and quarantine duties with incoming passengers.

Applying an antimicrobial coating is being tested in passenger areas, with an invisible coating destroying germs, bacteria and viruses on high touch surfaces including seats, buses and smart check-in counters.

Autonomous cleaning robots are disinfecting public areas and passenger facilities at the airport.

The Intelligent Sterilization Robot is equipped with an ultraviolet light sterilizer and air sterilizer and can autonomously sterilize up to 99.99% of bacteria in the vicinity within 10 minutes.

Steven Yiu, deputy director service delivery of AA, said, “The safety and wellbeing of airport staff and passengers are always our first priority. Although air traffic has been impacted by the pandemic, the AA spares no effort in ensuring that the airport is a safe environment for all users. We will continue to look into new measures to enhance our cleaning and disinfection work.”