With temperature checks, autonomous cleaning robots and antimicrobial coatings set to become the norm in airports around the world, Hong Kong Airport has not only applied all these latest technologies  in a bid to step up its efforts to battle COVID-19, it has now become the world’s first airport to trial ‘Clean Tech’, a full-body disinfection channel facility.

Although the facility is currently only designated for use by staff at the airport, the aim is for it ultimately to be used by passengers. A person’s temperature is checked before they enter an enclosed channel for a 40-second disinfection and sanitising procedure. The interior surface of the channel is equipped with an antimicrobial coating which can remotely kill virus and bacteria on human bodies and clothing by using the technologies of photocatalyst and ‘nano needles’. Sanitising spray is also applied for instant disinfection. To prevent cross-contamination between the outside and inside environment, the chamber is kept under negative pressure.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) is also conducting a pilot test of applying an antimicrobial coating on all passenger facilities and high-touch surfaces in the terminal, including handles and seats of automated people movers and passenger buses. Smart check-in kiosks and check-in counters, toilets, seating areas, baggage trolleys and elevator buttons are also being treated. After completion of the trial in May, the AA will consider implementing it as a long term disinfection measure.

“The safety and wellbeing of airport staff and passengers are always our first priority,” said Seven Yiu, Deputy Director, Service Delivery of the AA. “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 meausres to enhance our cleaning and disinfection work.”

Autonomous cleaning robots are also being used to ensure thorough disinfection of public areas. The Intelligent Sterilization Robot, is equipped with ultra violet light sterlizer and air sterilizer and is deployed round-the-clock in public toilets and key operating areas around the terminal. Moving autonomously the robot can sterilize up to 99.99% of bacteria in its vicinity, including the air and object surfaces, in just 10 minutes.

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