Professor James G. Dwyer, from Purdue University in Indiana, told the Telegraph: 'The problem is that these systems can't filter out particles smaller than 5,000 nanometers.'
The size of the coronavirus is not yet known, but a similar respiratory illness, Sars, was recorded at just 120 nanometres.
Professor Dwyer said that if the current COVID-19 is a similar size, 'the air conditioning system would be carrying the virus to every cabin.
'Cruise ships could minimise this problem by just using outside air and not recirculating it,' he added.
Airlines have already sought to reassure passengers that their air-conditioning systems are fit to prevent the coronavirus spreading in the cabin, with Etihad suggesting their system is as watertight as a hospital operating theatre.
'In any confined area, there is a risk of contracting illnesses from other people,' an airline statement reads.
'However, the risk is considered lower on aircraft because of the use of high efficiency particulate air filters, which are effective in capturing more than 99 per cent of airborne microbes in filtered air.'
The size of the coronavirus is not yet known, but a similar respiratory illness, Sars, was recorded at just 120 nanometres.
Professor Dwyer said that if the current COVID-19 is a similar size, 'the air conditioning system would be carrying the virus to every cabin.
'Cruise ships could minimise this problem by just using outside air and not recirculating it,' he added.
Airlines have already sought to reassure passengers that their air-conditioning systems are fit to prevent the coronavirus spreading in the cabin, with Etihad suggesting their system is as watertight as a hospital operating theatre.
'In any confined area, there is a risk of contracting illnesses from other people,' an airline statement reads.
'However, the risk is considered lower on aircraft because of the use of high efficiency particulate air filters, which are effective in capturing more than 99 per cent of airborne microbes in filtered air.'
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