Advanced disinfection technology implemented at Hong Kong

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has turned to the latest disinfection technologies – including disinfection channels, antimicrobial coating and autonomous cleaning robots – at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to protect passengers and staff from COVID-19.

As a result, HKIA is the world’s first airport to trial ‘CLeanTech’, a full-body disinfection channel facility, in live operation.

People using the facility will have their temperature checked before entering an enclosed channel for the 40-second disinfection and sanitising procedure. The interior surface of the channel is equipped with antimicrobial coating which can remotely kill virus and bacteria on humans 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 environments.

The facility is currently designated for staff who take part in public health and quarantine duties at the airport in relation to arriving passengers.

Meanwhile, a pilot test of applying antimicrobial coating at all passenger facilities is being implemented. An invisible coating to destroy germs, bacteria and viruses is applied to high-touch surfaces in the terminal, including handles and seats of people movers and buses, check-in kiosks and counters, toilets, seating areas, baggage trolleys and elevator buttons. Once the trial is complete – in May – the AAHK will consider implementing it as a long-term disinfection measure.

The intelligent sterilisation robot

Alongside this, autonomous cleaning robots have been deployed to ensure thorough disinfection of public areas and passenger facilities in HKIA. An intelligent sterilisation robot, equipped with ultra-violet light steriliser and air steriliser, is working continuously in the public toilets and key terminal operating areas. The robot can move around autonomously and sterilise up to 99.99 per cent of bacteria in its vicinity, including both air and object surfaces, in 10 minutes.

Steven Yiu, AAHK’s Deputy Director of Service Delivery, said: “The safety and wellbeing of airport staff and passengers are always our first priority. Although air traffic has been impacted by the pandemic, the AAHK 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.”