Gatwick is the
first airport in the UK to treat its security trays with enough UV light energy
to guarantee a 99.9% microbe disinfection rate – protecting passengers and staff
and reducing the spread of coronaviruses, including COVID-19, and other infections on this high-touch
surface area.
The new, highly
effective system – provided by Smiths Detection – sees each tray pass through a covered
‘UV-tunnel’ fixed underneath the hand luggage screening system, as trays exit
the scanners, so that every tray is treated immediately before each passenger
uses it.
Following a
one-month trial on a single security lane in July 2020, with laboratory testing
demonstrating a 99.9% microbe disinfection rate, the new system will be rolled out
on eight lanes in Gatwick’s North Terminal – six for passengers and two for
staff – by the end of this month.
The
system uses short-wavelength UV-C light, which laboratory tests show is effective against coronaviruses, including
COVID-19 and SARS, as the radiation
warps the structure of their genetic material and prevents the viral particles
from replicating.
The UV-C
light is completely contained within a covered unit designed following safety
standard BS EN ISO 15858:2016, ensuring no risk of exposure to either
passengers or staff.
Gatwick and
other airports have already deployed other anti-viral systems, such as coatings
sprayed on to trays, however this protection dissipates over time whereas this
new system treats every tray just before use – ensuring maximum protection and
a reduced risk of passing on infection.
Other health
measures in place at Gatwick include the frequent, enhanced deep cleaning of
common-use surfaces throughout the airport, installation of approx. 500 Perspex
screens, social distancing procedures at check in, security and gate rooms,
well-spaced seating in departure halls and in restaurants, bars and shops and
regularly signposted hand washing facilities and around 200 sanitising
stations.
All passengers
are also advised to bring and wear their own face covering throughout the
airport and to check Gatwick’s latest online health guidance before leaving home.
Adrian Witherow, Chief Operating Officer, Gatwick Airport, said:
“The health and wellbeing of our passengers and staff remains our priority. The system goes above and beyond the guidelines and we will continue to do everything we can to help reassure our passengers that flying is still a great travelling experience and that the health measures we have in place are effective and easy to follow.
“This new
system has proven itself to be extremely reliable and provides a really high
degree of reassurance as every single passenger and staff member using the
system will have a tray that has only just been disinfected. As an
airport, we will continue to explore innovative health solutions like this that
reduce the spread of coronaviruses and other infections. “
“We’ve partnered with Gatwick Airport on a number
of security projects over the years, bringing them cutting-edge screening
technology and greater operational efficiency,” said Richard Thompson,
Smiths Detection’s Global Director of Aviation.
“The introduction of the UV-C kits demonstrates
their interest in ensuring the highest standard of care for their customers and
team members in response to COVID-19. The technology deployed by Smiths
Detection will not only help to create a healthy airport but is also completely
safe to use and will not slow down the security screening process.”
More good news for Gatwick as SunExpress is expanding its UK operations, announcing the launch of a new route between Gatwick Airport and Antalya from March 2021.
For the
Turkish-German airline – a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines
– the market has been an important part of the route network for several years
with flights from London-Luton mainly catering for visiting friends and
relatives.
Now the airline
extends its offer for British holidaymakers. Starting on 28 March 2021,
SunExpress will launch three weekly flights between London Gatwick and Antalya,
offering passengers an ideal destination for the Easter holiday period. From 28
May, this route will be served daily.
On 26 March,
SunExpress is also set to launch another new flight from Manchester to Antalya.
The route will be served twice per week before passengers will have a choice of
four weekly connections starting 30 May.
“After a
year of staying at home, the people of Britain deserve a sunny holiday”,said Peter Glade, CCO of SunExpress.“Our new services to Antalya will allow the British people to arrive at
their well-deserved holiday destination, in a fast and relaxed manner, and for
a competitive price, experiencing our unique SunExpress service.”
Stephen King, Head of Airline Relations, Gatwick Airport said:
“We are delighted to welcome SunExpress to Gatwick from March. Antalya has been an increasingly popular destination in recent years, with an average temperature of more than 20 degrees between May and October making it a great Mediterranean getaway.
“The
addition of SunExpress’ three weekly flights from Gatwick in March – increasing
to daily flights from May – is excellent news for passengers looking to book an
Easter or summer break and will also offer passengers across London and the
South East even greater choice when planning holidays.
“Despite the
turbulent time the aviation industry has suffered this year, slots at Gatwick
remain in high demand, so it is positive news to be able to welcome SunExpress
to the airport.”
The new routes from Gatwick and Manchester are
already available for bookings through tour operators, travel agencies as well
as www.sunexpress.com
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