AirShield, protection against the Covid-19

Because of Covid-19, airlines must adhere to a strict sanitation and cleaning process in common areas, waiting rooms, and airline cabins, and take precautions when boarding. But to what extent can they maintain control?

For this reason, technology firm Teague developed a new device called AirShield that could prove adequate protection to eradicate the spread of Covid-19, at least while on board. AirShield could form an invisible insulation that can control the flow of air inside the aircraft, to prevent the spread and contagion of any virus or germs. 

“As airlines struggle to resolve the impossible request to recreate safe social distancing requirements in crowded cabins, maybe the industry is looking for the wrong solution to the problem. Rather than distance, it is airflow that plays the most important role in the spread of Covid-19 on an airplane. Based on our ongoing research, a solution to this problem could be simple, “said the technology company.

According to the Teague report, AirShield could be installed with no problem on any commercial-type aircraft, allowing users greater safety and comfort when traveling. It would form an invisible curtain around each seat between passengers, making sure that respiratory droplets are retained within each passenger’s space, and preventing them from being inhaled by the occupant of nearby seats.

Similarly, if someone coughs or sneezes, the particles are contained and directed to the filters incorporated in the plane.

Anthony Harcup, senior director of airline experience at Teague, explained to CNN Travel that AirShield only improves on what is already a fairly effective method of airflow in aircraft.

“What many people don’t realize is that an airplane is actually one of the safest places to be.”

For now, this new device continues in development tests and prototypes, but it may prove to be a medium-term solution to regain passenger confidence and revive the aviation industry.