Boeing announced Tuesday that it has been working with the University of Arizona in the battle against COVID-19 with the age-old technique of thermal disinfection. 

Researchers have verified the successful elimination of SARS-CoV-2 by using heat on surfaces, especially on hard-hardened flight deck devices. 

Results show that more than 99.99 percent of the virus can be killed following three hours of exposure to 50°C (120°F) temperatures and that it also can be effectively executed with 40°C (more than 999%) (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

"Passenger and crew safety is our top priorities - that extends from the cabin to the flight deck," said Michael Delaney, who leads Boeing's Confident Travel Initiative (CTI) efforts.

"Thermal disinfection could deliver another valuable tool to destroy COVID-19 on sensitive and difficult-to-reach components that protect pilots."

Boeing carried out testing using flight deck parts and SRA-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in a safe laboratory setting at the University this fall.

"We're cooking the virus," said Charles Gerba, University of Arizona microbiologist and infectious disease expert. "Thermal disinfection is one of the oldest ways to kill disease-causing micro-organisms. It's used by microbiologists in our laboratory every day."

The deck is to withstand temperatures up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, making thermal disinfection a safe, practical, and efficient method of sanitation, says Boeing.