United Airlines has today announced further enhancements to its CleanPlus program. The operator was already using electrostatic spraying technology on its planes. However, the Chicago-based carrier will now be using Clorox's new Total 360 System at 35 of the busiest airports that it serves.

United Airlines Boeing 737
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | JFKJets.com

Ground control

According to a press release seen by Simple Flying, United will use the system to spray surfaces in ticketing lobbies, terminals, gate rooms, employee spaces, and lounges. The disinfecting solution is EPA-approved to kill SARS-CoV-2. This is the virus that causes COVID-19.

This advancement is part of a series of measures that United and Clorox have worked on together. For instance, the carrier uses the firm's disinfection wipes on all its mainline planes and lounges.

Mike Hanna, senior vice president of airport operations at United, spoke about the progress of the relationship with Clorox. He highlighted the importance of the partnership.

"At the beginning of this pandemic, we laid out our United CleanPlus commitment of putting health and safety at the forefront of the travel experience," Hanna said in the press release.

"In teaming up with Clorox, we've worked with their experts to enhance our cleaning procedures and roll out state-of-the-art products throughout the United journey to give our greater customers confidence when they travel. This is just one of many steps we are taking as part of our layered approach to safety."

United Airlines Clorox
Clorox's systems help to clean across the board. Photo: United Airlines

An ongoing collaboration

Meanwhile, Clorox VP Heath Rigsby shares that his firm is proud of the fact that throughout the pandemic, the company has worked with the airline to help enhance the safety of its passengers with disinfecting protocols and products. Therefore, he is glad that these efforts are being extended to support travelers even before boarding their flights.

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The Clorox Total 360 System charges and atomizes disinfecting solutions to deliver a robust flow of charged particles. United says that these attract to surfaces with a force stronger than gravity and allows germ-prone areas to be reached.

From the beginning of next month, 35 airports will have this system in place. However, there will be an expansion to more hubs from early next year.

Wider commitments

These enhancements form part of a broader hygiene strategy in place by United, which includes the following measures:

  • Social distancing at the airport
  • The wearing of face masks
  • The use of HEPA grade air circulation systems, which remove up to 99.7% of airborne particles onboard an aircraft
  • Enhanced cabin sanitization, including the use of electrostatic spraying
  • Rigorous airport cleaning processes
  • The use of UV light to sanitize the cockpit
United Airlines CleanPlus
United is serious about hygiene. Photo: United Airlines

Altogether, the pandemic continues to rock the aviation industry. Therefore, the extra initiatives in place will go a long way in the battle against the virus.

What are your thoughts about United Airlines' efforts to maintain high hygiene standards amid the global health crisis? Do you think that these are good measures by the carrier? Let us know what you think of the initiatives in the comment section.