Following a partnership first announced at CES 2020 in January, Delta Air Lines is beginning installation of Vyv (pronounced “vive” – formerly known as Vital Vio), an antimicrobial visible spectrum LED light (non-UV), above in its aircraft lavatory sinks and countertops. The light is claimed to continually reduce the growth of bacteria within the lavatory and is safe for people and animals.
The LED lights, when combined with electrostatic spraying and frequent cleaning, help to improve cleanliness and eliminate germs in lavatories. As another layer of hygiene, the inflight crews also use kits that include disinfectant spray, wipes and gloves to ensure that the thorough sanitisation completed before boarding stays fresh throughout the flight.
“Our partnership with Vyv shows how we are adapting the vision we showcased at CES to double-down on our commitment to customer health and safety,” said Bill Lentsch, Delta’s chief customer experience officer. “This technology will provide another of the many layers we’ve put in place that, when working together, keep customers safe. For Delta, there’s no more important goal for applied innovation.”
Beginning in mid-November with the Delta 757-200 fleet, customers will notice more aircraft outfitted with Vyv. After installation on this initial fleet, Delta plans to conduct further tests in 2021 with the hope of expanding installation into other aircraft in the future.
Customers will know their flight is equipped with Vyv thanks to newly installed messaging placards in outfitted lavatories. These placards feature a link that customers can visit to learn more about Delta’s layers of protection and how the company is using innovative collaborations to keep customers safe.
“It’s a credit to Delta that our companies were working in close partnership long before the pandemic to improve Delta customers’ overall experience,” said Colleen Costello, co-founder and CEO of Vyv. “Installing our advanced antimicrobial lights above the lavatory counters creates an ideal setting for continuously ensuring a cleaner environment for passengers and staff.”
Delta has introduced more than 100 changes to cleanliness protocols since the onset of the pandemic – most of which are here to stay. From blocking middle seats into January 2021 to changing high-grade HEPA air filters twice as often as recommended, to becoming the first US airline to install hand sanitizer stations onboard, the airline is constantly improving its standards of care based on expert medical advice and the customer feedback.
