Hong Kong International Airport has deployed disinfection technologies including antimicrobial coating and autonomous robots.

Airport Authority Hong Kong is applying disinfection technologies, including disinfection channels, antimicrobial coating and autonomous cleaning robots at Hong Kong International Airport to protect passengers and airport staff from COVID-19 infection.

Hong Kong International Airport is understood to be the world’s first airport where “CLeanTech”, a full-body disinfection channel facility, is being trialed in live operation.

CLeanTech, a full-body disinfection channel facility, is being trialed in live operation

People using the facility will have a temperature check before entering an enclosed channel for the 40-second disinfection and sanitising procedures.

According to the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the interior surface of the channel is equipped with 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. The channel is kept under negative pressure to prevent cross-contamination between the outside and inside environment.

Currently, the facility is designated for use by staff who take part in public health and quarantine duties at the airport in relation to arriving passengers.

Meanwhile, the Airport Authority Hong Kong is conducting a pilot test of applying antimicrobial coating at all passenger facilities.

An invisible coating to destroy germs, bacteria and viruses is applied to 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 area in the terminal, baggage trolleys, elevator buttons, and more.

Airport Authority Hong Kong said it will consider implementing it as a long term disinfection measure following the completion of the trial in May.

Autonomous cleaning robots have also been deployed to ensure thorough disinfection of public areas and passenger facilities in Hong Kong International Airport.

Intelligent Sterilization Robot, equipped with ultra violet light steriliser and air steriliser, is deployed round-the-clock in public toilets and key operating areas in the terminal building.

Autonomous cleaning robots have been deployed to ensure thorough disinfection of public areas and passenger facilities

Steven Yiu, deputy director, service delivery of the Airport Authority, said the company will continue to look into new measures to enhance its cleaning and disinfection.

“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.”