Japanese airline becomes first to test 'hands-free' bathroom doors

The coronavirus pandemic has kickstarted a race among airlines to develop ever more sophisticated hygiene technology as they strive to protect passengers against the threat of a Covid-19 outbreak. Now, a Japanese carrier has started trialing a new innovation designed to circumvent the most notorious culprit of in-flight contamination: the lavatory door handle. ANA has released details of its specially designed Covid-safe aircraft toilet, with doors that can be opened, closed and locked with your elbow. The design is simple: a broad, flat lever sticks out at an angle, allowing the user to hook their arm underneath and pull back to release the latch. While in use, the door can be secured using a sliding lock with an oversized handle that can easily be pushed back and forth with an elbow or forearm. A prototype toilet, developed by Japanese aviation technology specialist Jamco Corporation, is currently being tested at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, with airline officials set to make a decision on its viability at the end of August. Since ANA planes have all already been fitted with sensor taps, the company hopes that a successful trial will enable it to be among the first to offer a (mostly) hands-free lavatorial experience for fliers. The contest is close, however, with a rival tech company, Haeco Americas, currently working on a sensor-activated toilet door.<br/>