“At Helsinki-Vantaa, the airport company Finavia is implementing the coating solution of the Finnish technology company Nanoksi Finland Oy. It can be used to eliminate viruses and bacteria from airport contact surfaces and furniture.
‒We are constantly following new methods and products to ensure a high level of hygiene at the airport. The nanotechnology-based coating sprayed on the contact surfaces and furniture makes it easier to keep the surfaces clean. The coating destroys pathogens with the help of light and air, says Sami Kiiskinen, Development Director at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finavia.
The coating is sprayed on check-in counters, vending machines, departure gates, and sanitary facilities, among other things. Even if the furniture is wiped several times a day, the coating lasts well.
Nanoksi’s solution has been tested since the early summer, and, thanks to good results, it has been decided to launch in September 2021.
‒In the airport environment, it is essential that the selected surface materials are durable, easy to clean, and dirt-repellent. This is one of the reasons why the airport has a lot of glass and metal surfaces that are easy to keep clean, Kiiskinen says. Choices related to efficient cleaning are already considered at the terminal design stage.
Good feedback from passengers on the level of hygiene at Helsinki-Vantaa
Cleanliness is one of the most vital areas of customer satisfaction at Helsinki-Vantaa. For more than 20 years, Helsinki-Vantaa has been receiving good reviews from passengers about the cleanliness of the airport in international airport surveys. This year, ACIA, an international organization representing airports, awarded Finavia for active and good corona operations at Helsinki-Vantaa.
A good level of hygiene is an apparent differentiating factor, especially in the minds of international travelers, which allows you to choose an exchange airport along your journey.
‒When we received information about the coronavirus in January 2020, we started intensified cleaning and disinfection. Sanitation has since been further intensified. Among other things, we have introduced a device for cleaning security checkboxes using LED light technology, which is to be expanded in the future, Kiiskinen says.
In addition to cleaning and disinfection, Finavia also develops contactless movement at the terminal and strives to reduce physical contact in customer service situations. This development work includes automatic doors and gates, contactless passport and airline ticket readers, and remote payment in airport shops and restaurants. You can drive in and out of the parking garage only based on the car’s registration number.
What is a Fotonit® coating?
Research at the University of Tampere confirmed the functionality of the Fotonit® photocatalysis coating developed by the Finnish nanotechnology company Nanoksi Finland Oy. Photocatalysis can destroy 98% of influenza viruses in two hours, among other things. The coating has been awarded the Key Flag label to indicate its high degree of domestication. ”
Translated by Nanoksi from this article.
