Boeing unveils self-cleaning toilet

The prototype used ultraviolet light to kill 99.99% of germs, the company said, which disinfected all surfaces after every use in three seconds.

Boeing said the lavatory used Far UV light, which would be activated only when the facility was unoccupied. Far UV is different from the UVA or UVB light in tanning beds, it explained, and is not harmful to people.

The company's engineers had shown through testing that the innovation could minimise the growth and potential transmission of micro-organisms. Boeing had filed a patent on the concept.

"We're trying to alleviate the anxiety we all face when using a restroom that gets a workout during a flight," said Jeanne Yu, Boeing Commercial Airplanes director of environmental performance.

"In the prototype, we position the lights throughout the lavatory so that it floods the touch surfaces like the toilet seat, sink and countertops with the UV light once a person exits the lavatory. This sanitizing even helps eliminate odors," she added.

The cleaning system would also lift and close the toilet seat by itself so all surfaces would be exposed during the cleaning cycle. Boeing said the design also incorporated a hands-free tap, soap dispenser, rubbish flap, toilet lid and seat, and a hand dryer. A touch-free door latch and vacuum vent system for the floor were also under study.

"Some of the touchless features are already in use on some Boeing airplanes today," said Yu.

"But combining that with the new UV sanitizing will give passengers even more protection from germs and make for an even better flying experience."

Boeing's lavatory was a finalist for a Crystal Cabin Award, that would be announced at the Hamburg Aircraft Interiors Expo on 5 April.

The design would require further study before being offered to airlines, the company confirmed.