Would Be Used As Coronavirus Isolation Units

Aero-News April 1 Special Edition

The Centers for Disease Control has approached Boeing about using its 737 MAX airplanes that are waiting for delivery as isolation wards for persons diagnosed with COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus.

“So far, most areas seem to be able to accommodate the new cases, so there has not been a need for a large number of additional beds to meet the demand, but we’re exploring a lot of options,” said a CDC representative not authorized to speak to the media. “But if this continues, we might need some additional space.

The source said that since airliners are essentially pressure vessels, keeping negative pressure in the cabin would help contain the virus. And the airplanes are already equipped with oxygen systems to assist patients who are having problems breathing.

The source said that all airplanes would be thoroughly disinfected before they are delivered to the customers, and given the timeline for that to happen, it is likely that the outbreak will be contained by then.

“This is just an idea,” the source said. “As I stated earlier, we’re still trying to get our hands wrapped around this thing, and anything we can do to prevent the spread of this disease, we’re going to explore. Nothing is being discounted out of hand.”

Boeing did not respond to a request for comment.

FMI: www.cdc.gov