Gallery: Travel sector sees more innovation

MAC Aero Interiors, a subsidiary of a global provider of Total Technical Care for aircraft operators and lessors, Magnetic MRO, has been developing the Smart Touchless Lavatory, which aims to meet the need for safety and trust for airlines and passengers as well as to mitigate their concerns about the transmission of the virus on board. Additionally, the company said the touchless solutions are “designed to function as upgrades rather than total refurbishment, allowing airlines to implement the solution without the hefty price tag.”

Collins Aerospace has unveiled Lilac-UV, an ultraviolet (UV) lighting solution to sanitize aircraft interiors nearly anywhere a light is installed inside an aircraft. Lilac-UV emits a slight violet light that disinfects surfaces in seconds to minutes, depending on lamp configuration and specific pathogen. Lilac-UV can be applied in lavatories, galleys, flight decks, cargo bays and throughout the cabin, and can be set for scheduled cleanings or manual applications during or between flights. The sanitizing light, combined with other hygienic measures taken onboard aircraft, gives added peace of mind and protection to passengers while also reducing aircraft downtime for manual cleaning. Lilac-UV uses technology developed by Boeing as part of a licensing agreement granting Collins the ability to build on Boeing’s UV technology for in-flight operation.

Air Black Box has launched a new baggage transfer solution called ThruBag, which was developed to help airlines and connection airports provide through baggage service for self-connecting passengers. Supporting the growth of self-connecting travel, ThruBag allows self-connecting passengers to check their baggage to their final destination airport and avoid the hassle of rechecking luggage at connecting airports. ThruBag replicates the convenience of through-checked interline baggage, even for passengers who aren’t traveling on legacy interline itineraries.

Teledyne Controls obtained FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) approval for installation of its Aircraft Cabin Environment Sensor (ACES on the Airbus A320 aircraft series. Teledyne ACES is an autonomous solution that enables air transport operators to monitor, measure and analyze air quality in the cabin and flight deck to help them ensure a safe and positive flying experience for passengers and crew. ACES was recently certified for the Boeing 737 aircraft and certification for other aircraft types is in progress.

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is trialing an ultraviolet automatic tray disinfection solution, from Smiths Detection, in collaboration with Group ADP.

Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) is expanding its digital inflight e-Library by adding 30 newspapers from across the globe to the ANA App. ANA had stopped providing paper magazines and newspapers on board as part of its hygiene measures; however, like other items in the e-Library, the newspapers can now be downloaded via the ANA App beginning 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the flight, and the downloaded content can be viewed for up to 24 hours after the scheduled arrival time.

Hamad International Airport, in partnership with Smiths Detection, has installed a new innovative screening technology at its security checkpoint that does not require passengers to remove either liquids or larger electronic items from their bags. It also allows for faster passenger processing by providing the possibility for up to six passengers to load their items into trays at the same time.

Inflight magazine Hemispheres will soon be back onboard flights, thanks to a new Biomaster antimicrobial technology, which works continually to prevent the growth of micro-organisms, reducing contamination levels to the surface. The company said that in independent laboratory testing, the UV cover coating used on Hemispheres magazine demonstrated a 99.99% reduction in microbes.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has partnered with AtYourGate on a new rolling droid, as part of a pilot program for contactless food ordering capabilities in Terminal 1. The rolling droid, named Gita, uses visual sensing technology to follow the AtYourGate delivery staff member to reach customers. The droid can carry up to 18 kg in its cargo bin.

London’s Heathrow Airport will test two new ultra-light antibacterial security trays, designed by Italian company One.Tray, for two months at Terminal 2. The two types of tray contain different antibacterial agents proven to significantly reduce the level of bacteria and viruses on the tray surface.

Austrian aerospace supplier FACC has developed an antimicrobial surface coating for aircraft cabins that it hopes will boost its position in aftermarket services. The product, branded Pure Cabin, effectively and sustainably removes all types of viruses, bacteria and fungi from surfaces, FACC says. The permanent photocatalytic surface solution is based on the TiO2 plus metal complex and was developed for line-fit cabin products and retrofit cabin applications. The solution, developed with Austrian company Pigmentsolution GmbH, guarantees that virtually all viruses are eliminated in less than 10 mins. and the treatment lasts for up to one year, FACC claims.

Qatar Airways has introduced Honeywell’s Ultraviolet (UV) Cabin System (V2) to disinfect its cabins. After receiving 17 units of the latest version of Honeywell’s latest technology, the devices have all undergone comprehensive testing on board Qatar Airways’ aircraft. This version also includes a hand wand that disinfects areas like the cockpit and other smaller spaces and is non-motorized leading to less battery consumption. The airline aims to operate them on board all aircraft turnarounds at Hamad International Airport.

Honeywell Building Technologies is working with San Diego International Airport (SAN)’s accelerator program, the Airport Innovation Lab, to test the use of advanced video analytics technology to enhance airport health and safety. Honeywell’s video analytics technology will be tested and refined at SAN in a real-life airport environment through early summer 2021. Following a successful pilot program, Honeywell may go into contract negotiations with San Diego Country Regional Airport Authority, the owner operator of SAN, to implement the technology throughout the airport. Using deep-learning artificial intelligence video analytics, the Honeywell Pro-Watch Video Management System (VMS) uses cameras to identify if the airport’s occupants are complying with guidelines around social distancing and wearing masks. The advanced analytics provide an industry-leading level of accuracy, when used in the recommended operating conditions, and can isolate and report instances of non-compliance to airport staff.

Air service provider dnata has partnered with the Disinfect Group and Ecas4 Australia to launch a baggage disinfection service at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). Passengers arriving at SIN’s Terminal 3 can take advantage of the innovative solution and have their baggage quickly and safely disinfected before leaving the airport. Dnata said that Disinfect Group’s advanced equipment creates “an almost invisible mist that is 100% natural, non-toxic, bio-degradable and can effectively kill over 99.99% of bacteria and pathogens, such as coronavirus, on all types of baggage.” The mist technology uses Ecas4 Australia’s electrolysed water that consists of two ingredients: salt and water, which are activated with an electrical process. It is proven to be significantly more effective than bleach without the hazards of irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. Dnata’s new service is currently available for passengers of all airlines at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3. The company plans to introduce the new service at other terminals and additional airports across the Asia Pacific region in the second half of 2021.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched an assessment of new technology that uses Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light to disinfect airport checkpoint bins as it works to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses and bacteria. This initial assessment will occur in two checkpoints at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). TSA’s Innovation Task Force, which is spearheading the demonstration, is eager to further assess these technologies in the checkpoint to determine the equipment’s ability to reach the required UV-C dosage and reduce the number of pathogens on the checkpoint bins. The assessment seeks to determine efficacy in creating a more hygienic security checkpoint, while maintaining operational efficiency and balancing space and staff requirements. The standalone conveyer belt systems expose bins directly to UV-C light as the rollers advance them through the system. In the lab environment, TSA conducted efficacy testing using digital and sticker dosimeters placed on the bins to evaluate UV-C dosage, safety and processing times. TSA anticipates the equipment will have no impact on passenger screening times or the efficiency of the checkpoint screening process.

Vision Systems said its roller separation solution for aircraft passenger seats, Quick-Split, is fully compliant with EASA requirements and thus is officially Aeronautics certified. Based on Vision Systems’ cockpit shading system technology, the company said Quick-Split aims at “avoiding contact and possible transmission of viruses between passengers. The solution widely participates in restoring passenger confidence while maximizing the seat load factor.” Placed at each seat, Vision Systems said this physical barrier “reassures the travelers who would be scared of catching COVID-19 from the persons seating next to them in the aircraft, especially at mealtimes when people take off their mask. During rest times, the passenger protection and sense of security remain as the system follows the inclination of the seat back when reclined. However, this divider can easily be folded for family travel for instance.” Quick-Split comprises a thin and soft transparent film that keeps a feeling of space for a better wellbeing in the cabin. It also includes two handles, one on each side to avoid that two persons touch the same one. Therefore, Vision Systems’ solution offers a real protection against viruses and reduces the fear of contamination when flying.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, has begun to distribute 1,000 COVID Safety Alert (CSA) devices to frontline GTAA employees. These devices have been designed to help reinforce physical distancing and rapidly enable workplace contact tracing in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. The GTAA collaborated with its IT partner, Wipro Limited, a global information technology, consulting and business process services company, to develop these devices. The CSA is a small, clip-on device that employees can wear on their belt, coat or lanyard. It notifies the wearer when they are less than two meters away from another CSA device by buzzing and flashing. CSA devices also record each time they come into contact with another device in a confidential log that is used to enable workplace tracing in the event that an employee reports a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.

International design consultancy Tangerine has designed a personal purified air shield, VisAir, which can be worn around the neck to protect against foreign germs and pollutants during a flight. “The solution is designed for comfort, replacing the need for conventional masks, which are often fiddled with and removed for discomfort throughout a long journey. VisAir is re-chargeable and can last the duration of a flight and then plugged to charge and be cleaned by attendants, with filters replaced between use. Or passengers could choose to purchase their VisAir and bring them with them on their flights for added peace of mind,” Tangerine stated on its website.

Expanding on its UV Treatment System for airliners, Honeywell has debuted a smaller version that includes a UV wand and portable backpack. “Designed to help reduce pathogens found on high-touch surfaces in a quick and low-cost manner, this new device can be easily used in a multitude of transportation options, from buses and trains to cars and small aircraft,” the company said. The Honeywell UV Treatment Wand includes a handheld wand approximately 12 inches long to dispense UVC light. The entire system weighs roughly 15 pounds and can be used in any size space where a person will fit. The backpack portion of the device, which also rolls like a small piece of luggage, contains a battery that lasts for one hour of steady usage. Honeywell said the new, portable option and can be operated for as little as 10 cents per use.

Montreal-based CAE signed a contract with The PYURE Company to assemble air sanitizers using PYURE’s technology that has demonstrated through an independent US certified scientific lab to significantly destroy the COVID-19 virus in the air and on surfaces. CAE will work with PYURE to develop the next generation of products using PYURE’s technology and plans to retrofit its facilities and simulators with the technology. Under the agreement with PYURE, CAE expects to produce 55,000 units during the first year.

British Airways (BA) is partnering with hygiene brand Dettol throughout London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 and onboard its aircraft. From March 2021, BA customers will have access to a range of Dettol products, which its claims to be proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and coronavirus (SARS-COV-2)2, in the air and on the ground. BA said the airline’s updated cleaning protocols using Dettol products, have been supported by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has launched a pilot program using innovative technology to provide social distancing information and assessment for customers at a security checkpoint. The project uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology and sophisticated software from partner CrowdVision to monitor, analyze and report on physical distancing at the airport’s B security checkpoint. The system notifies customers when social distancing is adequate and encourages greater physical separation if needed. Under the pilot program, LiDAR-enabled sensors analyze passenger movements at the B checkpoint in real-time, counting people and measuring their speed and direction of movement. The motion analytics software calculates physical distancing information and provides easy-to-understand notifications for passengers and airport management. When passengers are providing good physical distancing, the system generates a positive message at the B checkpoint monitor. If passengers are too close together for too long a period of time, the system presents a reminder of social distancing guidelines.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has become the first airline in Japan to use a robotic loader and to conduct unmanned tests of an automated towing tractor for baggage transportation. ANA conducted operational tests of its automated technology from Dec. 14-18, 2020, at Kyushu Saga International Airport. The tests of robotic technology were developed through a partnership with Toyota Industries and demonstrated the viability of advanced autonomous devices for use at airports. ANA will further accelerate its efforts to develop and commercialize “Simple & Smart” airport technologies to streamline for the operation of the airports of the future.

United Airlines, with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is rolling out a program to collect customer contact information for all international and domestic flights. During the check-in process, United customers will be prompted to voluntarily opt-in and provide contact information such as an email address, phone numbers and an address of where they will be once they reach their destination, details that were previously difficult for the CDC to obtain in real-time. This effort represents the airline industry's most comprehensive public health contact information collection program to date and the immediate access to the data will better support the CDC's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the United States and around the world. United’s program will roll out in phases beginning Dec. 16 with the voluntary collection of information for all international arrivals. In the weeks ahead, the airline will phase in domestic and international outbound departures.

Delta Air Lines is partnering with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep international customers informed of potential COVID-19 exposure through contact tracing. Along with nine global airline partners, the Atlanta-based airline said it is working with government agencies, health officials and aviation authorities to offer safer travel at every point in your journey. Beginning Dec. 15, Delta will become the first U.S. airline to ask customers traveling to the U.S. from an international location to voluntarily provide data to aid contact tracing and public health follow-up efforts. By connecting with customers more quickly and providing public health follow-up, health authorities can help reduce instances of potential exposure and slow the spread of the virus.

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada is providing support to Aero HygenX Inc. in the development and marketing of a new version of the autonomous robot, RAY that will be optimized for use on Dash 8 Series aircraft. Designed and manufactured by Aero HygenX in Canada, RAY delivers high-frequency ultraviolet-C (UVC) light to disinfect aircraft cabins between flights. This germicidal wavelength of light destroys up to 99.99% of pathogens—including the COVID-19 virus. The use of RAY would also reduce the need for frequent chemical-based disinfection that could potentially impact aircraft interior surfaces and sensitive equipment, and also leave residues that may come into contact with passengers and crew.

Embraer installed HEPA filters on its 50-seat ERJ145. The first kits for the first 70 aircraft should be delivered by mid-December.

LATAM Airlines Brasil has developed an autonomous robot for cleaning aircraft with ultraviolet (UV) light—a method that, combined with other hygiene procedures, eliminates up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on board. The prototype of the robot was 100% created by LATAM and the final tests and efficiency tests were carried out at the company’s maintenance center in São Carlos.

Delta Air Lines is adding an additional layer of antimicrobial protection to airplane lavatories to enhance cleanliness: LED lighting that will better protect customers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Through a partnership first announced at CES 2020 in January, the carrier is beginning installation of Vyv antimicrobial LED lighting above onboard lavatory sinks and countertops—known as a high-touch area on board. The light continually reduces the growth of bacteria within the lavatory.

Onboard product provider Kaelis partnered with biocide technology company COPPTECH to create onboard products that have antimicrobial protection that not only eliminates SARS-COV-2 virus (the cause of COVID-19) but also protects from infectious diseases, pathogenic microbes, bacteria, virus and fungi.

High-touch aircraft interior products manufactured by Aereos Interior Solutions now include integrated antimicrobial technology from BioCote. The company says it is the first time that antimicrobial technology, which permanently prevents the growth of a wide range of microbes—including bacteria, mold and some viruses—has been integrated into airplane interiors to provide an additional level of hygiene. When containing BioCote technology, Aereos Interior Solutions says its products are certified as greater than 99.8% effective against MRSA and E. coli.

Boeing entered into a patent and technology license with Missouri-based Far UV Technologies to manufacture a far ultraviolet (222nm) wand designed to sanitize airplane flight decks and interiors. Boeing designed and developed the technology as part of the company’s Confident Travel Initiative to support customers and enhance the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Far UV Technologies will produce and distribute the commercial wand, helping airlines and potentially others combat the coronavirus pandemic. The technology could be available for airlines by the end of 2020.

AmSafe engineered, tested and produced a sanitized seatbelt that demonstrates a 99.9% reduction in viral/bacterial load. According to AmSafe, the seatbelts are embedded with silver-ions that provide over two years of protection for passengers and boast a 93% reduction in bacteria in the first 10 minutes of exposure. AmSafe said it has tested this new product at high usage cycles to verify its longevity, tolerance to cleaning with alcohol disinfectants and compliance to TSO C22G and TSO C114 requirements. “Airlines can maintain the same base part number as the original AmSafe restraint, allowing them to treat the change from a standard seatbelt to a sanitized seatbelt the same as merely changing the color,” AmSafe says.

Honeywell is one of the first few aerospace suppliers to introduce ultraviolet-C (UVC) lights for aviation application during the pandemic in the form of the UV Cabin System, a partnership with Dimer LLC. The UV Cabin System features two extendable arms, delivering UVC light on interior surfaces and a single operator can cover an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 in five to eight minutes. JetBlue Airways, Azul Airlines, and Qatar Airways are customers of the UV Cabin System.

French leisure carrier Corsair signed a partnership with Adhetec, a specialist in high quality technical adhesive solutions, to test a new antimicrobial film on its tray tables. All the tray tables of the business, premium and economy class seats are equipped with a protective aeronautical film developed by Adhetec, which uses the natural and antimicrobial technology of its partner Pylote, a specialist in mineral and ceramic industrial chemistry. The whole Corsair fleet will progressively be equipped with the antimicrobial film.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has put into operations a new robot to produce ICA M-class (economy class) meals at KLM Catering Services. KLM says the new robot system will reduce handling costs and make it easier to make meal tray adjustments. This will serve to reduce production costs while increasing flexibility and customer-centricity, making it easy to serve a wider array of products on different types of trays.

Passengers traveling through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can use their mobile device to order food & beverages from restaurants throughout the airport’s terminals, creating a tailored, contactless experience. The new service, LAXOrderNow.com, is a collaboration between Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports (URW Airports) and Grab.

Air France-KLM Group’s LCC Transavia partnered with Just Eat Takeaway.com to introduce “inflight delivery,” allowing passengers to order a meal of their choice for their flight. Passengers can order their favorite meal through Just Eat Takeaway.com up to one hour before their flight—from sushi to rendang and from salads to breakfast. The meal is freshly prepared by iFleat and delivered directly on board. The pilot program is in cooperation with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and iFleat, a Dutch caterer.

3Sixty Duty Free has partnered with airport e-commerce platform Grab to allow travelers at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) pre-order from a large range of travel-retail products, either for collection in-store or delivery to gate. The partnership will utilize Grab’s omnichannel expertise—which includes mobile marketplace, self-service kiosks and the ability to order at table in airports around the world—and will be available to both domestic and international passengers.

Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines are testing a new inflight shopping experience for passengers—via Internet on board (FlyNet). Guests will have free access to the SKYdeals shopping platform via the FlyNet portal with their mobile device during their flight within Germany and Europe. The platform is the first online marketplace on board for so-called “shoppertainment.” After passengers input their destination and flight route in the online marketplace, the SKYdeals Inflight Shopping platform offers a selection of products, each of which is related to the destination or the flight route. After online ordering and payment on board via the SKYdeals platform, customers can have the order delivered by post to their desired address.

Albany International Airport, in collaboration with GE, have launched the first digitally focused airport aimed at demonstrating new technologies to make air travel safer in a post-pandemic world. The airport signed on as the launch customer for GE Aviation’s new Wellness Trace App, which the airport has been using to track COVID-19 cleaning protocols.

United Airlines is using the Clorox Total 360 System to disinfect terminals at 35 of the airline's busiest airports. This electrostatic spraying system is similar to the electrostatic spraying technology used onboard aircraft and will be used to spray surfaces in ticketing lobbies, terminals, gate rooms, employee spaces and United Club locations.

ELeather Group launched a new material, Essence, designed to meet the needs of the public spaces and transport markets and based on three key benefits: hygiene, softness and sustainability. ELeather materials have also been tested to ensure compatibility with the most commonly used sanitizers and are UVC certified by Dimer UVC Innovations in partnership with Honeywell.

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is trialing a new enhanced “Smart Travel” system, developed by Abu Dhabi Airports in partnership with ConvergentAI and powered by artificial intelligence (AI), to shorten queues and streamline processes throughout the airport to deliver a smoother and more seamless passenger experience. The new system employs big data, AI, and the rigorous modelling and assessment of passenger traffic to optimize a variety of processes across AUH from check-in and immigration counter staffing to passenger arrival and departure times. As a part of the ongoing trial, select passengers traveling with Etihad Airways will be informed of the optimal time for them to arrive at AUH. By staggering passenger arrivals, the new system will mitigate crowding, facilitate social distancing, and shorten queues.

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4 operator, JFKIAT, is using a new disinfectant, ABM’s EnhancedClean, to help fight the spread of COVID-19 and seasonal illnesses. EnhancedClean features consistent intervals of frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as door handles, railings and countertops, and broad disinfection measures with electrostatic sprayers—all delivered by certified disinfection specialists trained and equipped in these specialized methods.