PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

Honeywell Offers to Kill Viruses on Aircrafts in 10 Minutes for $10

A new ultraviolet light cleaning system the size of an aircraft beverage cart aims to rid cabins of bacteria and viruses before every flight, but will it kill COVID-19?

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS
(Image: Honeywell)

I doubt many of us are prepared to fly again just yet, but Honeywell has come up with a system to quickly and cheaply kill viruses and bacteria in aircraft cabins between flights.

It's called the UV Cabin System and was developed through a partnership with Dimer LLC. The cleaning device is roughly the same size as the beverage cart we're all used to seeing roll down the aisle during flights, only this one has two large arms that extend above the seating. Attached to each arm is a set of ultraviolet c (UVC) lights, which Honeywell claims, "when properly applied, reduces certain viruses and bacteria on airplane cabin surfaces."

Speaking of the partnership, Dimer co-founder and president Elliot M. Kreitenberg said, "Working with Honeywell puts this technology in the hands of a worldwide aerospace leader that can quickly deliver to airlines and other aircraft operators ... As the travel industry begins to recover, we know hospital-grade technology will ease passenger concerns, and that’s what we’re providing with this system."

In terms of cost and time, the UV Cabin System takes around 10 minutes to complete a pass on a typical aircraft cabin, with the cost expected to be below $10 per use. As to how effective it is, Honeywell says, "UVC lights deliver doses that medical studies find reduce various viruses and bacteria, including SARS CoV and MERS CoV." However, "Results vary based on UV dosage and application, and no testing has been done specifically on protection against COVID-19."

Although it sounds like the ideal device for reducing the risk of infection from touching surfaces on a flight, Honeywell really needs to get it confirmed this device kills COVID-19 before airlines take the system seriously. If it can achieve that, I suspect the airlines will be lining up to purchase UV Cabin System carts for their ground crews to use.

Further Reading

Health & Fitness Reviews

Health & Fitness Best Picks

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

Read full bio