We are focused on multiple layers of protection to combat virus transmission. Layered protection requires a system-wide approach extending beyond the inside of the airplane and this is why we are working closely with other agencies and organizations, such as airports, regulatory authorities and industry associations.

The first layer of protection is working with airlines and airports to help prevent anyone with the virus from boarding the airplane. This includes the airlines' flexible re-booking procedures and passenger screening at airports. The second layer is supporting our airline partners with cleaning and disinfecting practices. The third layer helps to minimize contaminants from spreading throughout the cabin through the careful design of the cabin air system and encouraging passengers to wear face coverings.

In addition to directly checking the websites for each airline and airport along your journey, you can also take advantage of airline and airport tools developed by the global airline alliances and their members: oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance.

Boeing supports the guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and other health and safety regulators to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. This includes face masks, routine hand-washing, personal protective equipment, hand sanitizers and other basic personal hygiene.

We are currently evaluating a number of new technologies that may further reduce the risk of disease transmission on our aircraft. Two examples are the evaluation of anti-microbial and anti-viral application on surfaces and high-touch points throughout the cabin and lavatories and UV light disinfection, including through UV wands. These technologies are still in development and will only be deployed on a passenger airplane after they have been successfully tested and approved by customers and regulators.

We continue to support our airline customers as we collectively navigate this public health emergency. Airlines and authorities have taken steps including increased cabin cleaning between flights, passenger spacing, and requiring travelers to wear masks both in the airport terminal and onboard the airplane.

We support the guidance our customers deliver to passengers in conjunction with the travel and public health guidance of governments and public health agencies around the world.

We're in daily discussions with our airline partners, providing the latest updates and information and gathering their feedback.

While we work with the industry to develop uniform best practices, we will continue to provide specific guidance to our partners. We have distributed guidance to them on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved disinfectant products that are compatible with airplane systems and structures and procedures for use in the flight deck and passenger cabin.

We have also directed our airline partners to the information about COVID-19 that is currently available from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Boeing supports passengers and crews wearing face masks. Requiring them is ultimately up to each airline, regulators and public health agencies. That said, we are encouraged that the industry continues to discuss and find uniform solutions to protect the health and safety of passengers and crews.

Today's airplanes incorporate cabin air features designed to help protect the safety and health of passengers.

The cabin air flows primarily from ceiling to floor, not front to back, which minimizes contaminants spreading through the cabin.

It is also exchanged every two to three minutes with outside air and through high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These HEPA filters, which are similar to those used in hospital operating rooms and industrial clean rooms, trap more than 99.9% of particulates such as bacteria and viruses from the air before it is recirculated to the cabin.

The air on an airplane moves primarily from ceiling to floor, not front to back. This minimizes contaminants spreading through the cabin and ensures airflow leaves the cabin close to where it enters.

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters installed on Boeing airplanes remove particulates from the air that passes through them as it is recirculated to the cabin. The cabin air filtration systems, which are similar to those used in hospital operating rooms and industrial clean rooms, trap more than 99.9% of particulates such as bacteria and viruses and prevent them from recirculating into the cabin.

However, HEPA filters can only clean the air that circulates through them, so if a passenger sneezes and there is no filter between, the filter cannot clean that air. That is why it's important for passengers to follow the guidance of health and aviation authorities such as wearing a face mask, keeping your hands clean and wiping down surfaces where germs can linger with a disinfectant wipe.

We support airlines following the detailed guidance provided by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) for what the cabin crew should do on the flight when someone onboard is sick with a possible contagious disease.

This guidance equips the cabin crew with practical methods for identifying a sick and potentially infectious traveler and multiple measures for controlling the risk of infection to other passengers and themselves.

Any actions taken to control the risk of airborne infection are enhanced by the air filtration systems already in place, which incorporate High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters similar to those used in hospitals and industrial clean rooms. HEPA filters are more than 99.9% effective at removing particulates such as viruses and bacteria before air is recirculated back to the cabin.