A hand-held wand that emits ultraviolet light to neutralise bacteria and viruses is being developed by Boeing as part of a suite of methods to disinfect flight deck surfaces and controls, as well as surfaces throughout the cabin, said a report.

 

The wand would eliminate the need for using alcohol or other disinfectants that could damage sensitive electronic equipment, Rae Lutters, chief engineer for Boeing's ecoDemonstrator program, said, according to a Reuters report.

 

Boeing is looking at licensing the technology and hiring third-party companies in the fall to begin manufacturing the wands for commercial use, it said.

 

Boeing has been working on the technology with 13 different airlines, it added.