Ethiopian Airlines Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aero HygenX outlining a plan for fleetwide deployment and regional marketing of the Canadian-headquartered technology company’s autonomous UV-C light disinfecting robot, ‘RAY’.

The two companies said they intend to establish “local final assembly capabilities” for Aero HygenX’s RAY and plan to expedite the rollout of the “chemical-free pathogen-killing solution” for Ethiopian Airlines.

Ethiopian Airlines’ group CEO Tewolde GebreMariam said: “As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, aircraft disinfection and safety are top priorities for Ethiopian Airlines.

“With the signing of this MoU, we continue our investment in sustainable hygiene solutions that will benefit not only our staff and passengers, but the entire region.

“Aero HygenX has developed a phenomenal technology that enhances biosafety onboard – in accordance with our ‘Safety-First’ policy – and will help Ethiopian attract more customers for a speedy recovery from the pandemic.”

Specifically designed for the transportation industry, Aero HygenX described RAY as an autonomous robot which uses motion sensing technology to navigate cramped spaces and disinfect surfaces without the use of harmful chemicals, using UV-C light.

The company claimed RAY is able to disinfect narrowbody aircraft in as little as seven minutes, including lavatories, enabling airlines to fully sanitise aircraft after every flight.

Aero HygenX’s CEO Arash Mahin said: “We want to help aviation get back on its feet as quickly as possible, and for that to happen we must work globally. A global problem requires a global solution and we’re thrilled that, together with Ethiopian Airlines, we can bring thorough, efficient, and safe pathogen-killing technology to this region.”