American Airlines will be one of two companies taking part in the initial deployment of a long-lasting antiviral surface protectant approved under emergency order by the EPA on Monday.
SurfaceWise2, developed by Texas-based Allied BioScience, is a surface coating that inactivates coronaviruses, including Covid-19, within two hours of application, the EPA said. It continues to work against viruses for up to seven days.
"This product is expected to provide longer-lasting protection in public spaces, increasing consumer confidence in resuming normal air travel and other activities," the agency said.
American said that it will begin spraying SurfaceWise2 on aircraft surfaces within months. The carrier eventually plans to use the product on its entire fleet as well as on American Eagle aircraft operated by regional partners. So far, however, the EPA has only approved the product for application within the state of Texas.
Along with American, the EPA will allow Allen, Texas-based Total Orthopedic Sport & Spine to trial the new product.
The agency said Allied BioScience will pursue nonemergency approval of SurfaceWise2 in the coming months. The product would be made available to the general public after that process is complete.