Autonomous UVC disinfecting robot enters service on Hydro-Québec Dash 8 aircraft
by CM Staff
Designed and manufactured by aero hygenx inc. in Canada, with support from De Havilland Canada, the autonomous disinfection robot, RAY provides disinfecting services to cabin air and surfaces between flights.
RAY, an autonomous disinfecting robot enters service on Dash 8 aircraft
OTTAWA and TORONTO — Canadian-based operator of Dash 8 aircraft, Hydro-Québec, has introduced cabin disinfection procedures between flights utilizing the autonomous robot, RAY. It is the first use of a cabin disinfecting procedure using ultraviolet-C (UVC) light delivered by an autonomous robot on in-service regional aircraft and follows Hydro-Québec’s acquisition of the robot from designer and manufacturer aero hygenx inc. Hydro-Québec operates three Dash 8-300 and Dash 8-400 aircraft manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited.
RAY delivers high-frequency UVC light that destroys up to 99.9% of pathogens – including the COVID-19 virus. The use of UVC light reduces the need for frequent chemical-based disinfection that could impact aircraft interior surfaces and sensitive equipment, and leave residues that may come into contact with passengers and crew. The payback period for RAY is less than 12 months and operators will see significant savings compared to when using chemical disinfectants. In collaboration with De Havilland Canada, RAY has been optimized for use on the Dash 8 Series aircraft.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic surging on, it is important that we utilize effective and efficient disinfection techniques to ensure a pathogen-free cabin. We believe that RAY will be beneficial to our operation while providing a high level of confidence to employees who fly on our Dash 8 shuttle to the hydro-electric generating sites,” said René Collin, Manager – Air Transport, Hydro-Québec.
“Rapid, consistent, and chemical-free disinfection of air and surfaces is vital for employee and passenger safety in the fight against pandemics,” said Arash Mahin, Chief Executive Officer, aero hygenx. “We are mindful of the industry’s economic challenges and are confident that RAY will deliver significant cost savings for aircraft operators from the onset. We are grateful and fortunate to have the support of De Havilland Canada, an aviation industry visionary, in helping us adapt RAY to assist the industry in these challenging times.”
Optimized for use on Dash 8 Series aircraft, RAY has a compact body while still delivering the required UVC dosage and 360° coverage throughout the cabin, lavatories and crew area. Data analysis and reporting is available via the cloud-based HygenX Stream that’s a part of RAY.
