RIYADH: Saudia airlines said on Wednesday that it has began using advanced ultraviolet-C (UVC) rays technology to sterilize its aircraft.
It is part of the airline’s efforts to ensure safety of passengers and curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.
“This addition is a further step in the comprehensive aircraft sterilization process before and after each flight,” the Kingdom’s national carrier said on its website.
Saudi Airlines began using UVC ultraviolet rays to sterilize its aircraft seats, in cooperation with the Saudi Company for Ground Services, to provide all means of safety and prevention for its guests and employees.
The new technology works by launching ultraviolet rays to sterilize cabin surfaces within ten minutes, in a fully medium-sized cabin.
UVC radiation is a known disinfectant and has effectively been used to reduce the spread of bacteria for decades.
Several recent studies have shown that 99.9% of coronaviruses can be killed when exposed to UVC radiation.
Saudia said the UVC device simultaneously sterilizes both sides of the cabin, and “this technology combines efficiency and speed of completion, which is a step in a series of sterilization operations that Saudi Arabia to secure the highest safety standards,” Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudia said that it has been undergoing full inspections of all their aircraft since Jan. 26, which include “careful disinfection and thorough deep cleaning,” in addition to screening all frontline staff and cabin crew members prior to each flight.
Saudi Arabia partially lifted restrictions on international flight operations last month, which were suspended in the wake of the pandemic on March 15.
International passenger flights have been allowed to operate with limited capacity for expatriates who have applied through a Ministry of Interior initiative that allows people in the country legally or illegally, visitors and tourism visa holders to return home.
Domestic flights resumed at the end of May, with the General Authority of Civil Aviation opening 11 of the Kingdom’s 28 airports in a step toward restoring normality to everyday activities.
The Kingdom will end all restrictions on air, land and sea transport after Jan. 1 next year.
Saudia uses UV radiation to disinfect cabins from COVID-19
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Saudia uses UV radiation to disinfect cabins from COVID-19
- Saudi Arabia partially lifted restrictions on international flight operations last month
Saudi watchdog warns of possible health risk from Nestle baby formula
- Company voluntarily recalls its Nan, Alfamino, S-26 Gold and S-26 Ultima products over concerns they might be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by bacteria
- Saudi Food and Drug Authority says recall is precautionary and no related illnesses have been reported, but advises consumers to dispose of recalled products immediately
RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority on Tuesday warned the public not to consume certain Nestle infant formula products, after the company issued a voluntary recall over concerns about possible contamination.
The advisory covers products marketed under the Nan, Alfamino, S-26 Gold and S-26 Ultima brands. They might be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can pose a risk to infant health, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Saudi authority said the recall was a precautionary measure and no related illnesses have been reported. Possible symptoms of exposure can include nausea, repeated vomiting and abdominal pain.
It advised consumers to dispose of the recalled products immediately, and said it was coordinating with Nestle to ensure they are removed from stores and is monitoring the process.
Full details of the affected products, including batch numbers, are available at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority website. The organization said consumers can report any food safety concerns by calling 19999.
