Delta Partners With Lysol To Keep Planes, Airports Clean Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Delta Airlines (DAL) is taking its commitment to preventing the spread of the coronavirus one step further by partnering with RB, the makers of Lysol.

Lysol has been one of the first manufacturers to have its cleaning products approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect against the coronavirus.

Under the Delta CareStandard, Deltad and Lysol will gather key insights on developing new disinfecting solutions that can be used aboard planes and in airports. The companies will also examine the “germ-related travel concerns” of consumers, and develop solutions to kill these germs, especially in airplane lavatories.

“Our shared vision to create breakthrough solutions within our industries, while bolstering current disinfection protocols will support Delta customers in feeling confident when they travel,” Rahul Kadyan, E.V.P., North America, Hygiene, Lysol, said in a statement.

Through the partnership, Delta said it is looking to bring the “gold standard” in cleanliness across all touchpoints a traveler will endure when flying on its aircraft. Lysol will provide products to Delta for use, including its Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes to use in high-touch germ hotspots.

Delta will also leverage Lysol’s microbiologists and germ-kill experts to develop new protocols to keep travelers free of illness-causing bacteria and viruses, such as the coronavirus in high-traffic areas.

“There’s no finish line for cleanliness – there’s always more we can do to innovate and elevate our already-high standards because that’s what our customers and employees expect and deserve,” said Bill Lentsch, Delta’s chief customer experience officer.

“The experts at Lysol share our drive for innovative, continuous improvement – they’re the best at their craft. That’s why we’re excited to get started on R&D to target germ ‘hot spots’ and cement the Delta CareStandard as the industry gold standard – so customers feel confident in choosing Delta as more people return to travel,” he added.

The airline industry has been dealt a crushing blow from the coronavirus as air travel declines amid the pandemic. The U.S. has reported over 4.2 million positive cases of the coronavirus, 146,900 COVID-19 deaths, Johns Hopkins University said.

Shares of Delta were trading at $25.67 as of 12:52 p.m. ET, down 28 cents or 1.10%.