Gatwick rolls out UV treatment of security trays to fight spread of Covid-19
Gatwick has become the first airport in the UK to roll out an ultraviolet disinfecting security tray treatment to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
Following a one-month trial on a single security lane in July 2020, with laboratory tests demonstrating a 99.9% microbe disinfection rate, it will be rolled out on eight lanes in Gatwick’s North Terminal – six for passengers and two for staff – by the end of this month.
The technology sees each tray pass through a covered ‘UV-tunnel’ fixed underneath the hand luggage screening system, as trays exit the scanners, so that every tray is treated immediately before each passenger uses it.
The system uses short-wavelength UV-C light, which laboratory tests show is effective against coronaviruses, including Covid-19 and SARS, as the radiation warps the structure of their genetic material and prevents the viral particles from replicating.
The UV-C light is completely contained within a covered unit designed to safety standards, ensuring no risk of exposure to either passengers or staff.
Gatwick and other airports have already deployed other anti-viral systems, such as coatings sprayed on to trays, however this protection dissipates over time whereas this new system treats every tray just before use – ensuring maximum protection and a reduced risk of passing on infection.
Gatwick Chief Operating Officer Adrian Witherow said: "This new system has proven itself to be extremely reliable and provides a really high degree of reassurance as every single passenger and staff member using the system will have a tray that has only just been disinfected.
"As an airport, we will continue to explore innovative health solutions like this that reduce the spread of coronaviruses and other infections.
"The system goes above and beyond the guidelines and we will continue to do everything we can to help reassure our passengers that flying is still a great travelling experience and that the health measures we have in place are effective and easy to follow."
Richard Thompson, Global Director of Aviation at Smiths Detection, which developed the system, said: "We’ve partnered with Gatwick Airport on a number of security projects over the years, bringing them cutting-edge screening technology and greater operational efficiency.
"The introduction of the UV-C kits demonstrates their interest in ensuring the highest standard of care for their customers and team members in response to Covid-19. The technology deployed by Smiths Detection will not only help to create a healthy airport but is also completely safe to use and will not slow down the security screening process."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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