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It may sound just too good to be true, but Boeing said it's developing self-cleaning lavatories for its passenger jets.

After each visit to the lavatory, the self-cleansing system will automatically lift the toilet lid and seat, exposing all dirty surfaces, and emit a flash of ultraviolet light Boeing says is capable of eradicating almost every germ in the room.

The UV light can kill 99.99% of germs, and would be active between bathroom uses.

The concept offers a new twist on the old aviator saying, "If it ain't Boeing, I ain't going", aviation consultant Robert Mann said by e-mail.

Boeing is also looking to develop hands-free door locks, as they are also magnets for bacteria.

The toilet seat would open and close by itself so that all surfaces get a once over.

Unlike the harmful ultraviolet light spectrum, which includes the UVA and UVB wavelengths used in tanning beds, far UV is only destructive to bacteria and pathogens, not to humans.

Researchers are designing an airplane bathroom that eliminates 99.99 percent of germs and, with it, your fear of using the bathroom on a flight.

Another feature? The sanitizing FAR UV also helps remove foul odors.

Boeing has created a new bathroom for the germaphobe in all of us. The process is very effective, with engineer Jamie Childress explaining, "The UV light destroys all known microbes by literally making them explode". Rather, this special kind of light is activated only when the toilet is left unoccupied. Cleaning schedules meant these areas are sanitized more regularly compared to, well, the tray tables.

Boeing has filed a patent for its UV light self-cleaning bathroom, which through testing has shown it can minimize the growth and potential transmission of disease-causing microorganisms. "Boeing believes this self-cleaning technology, combined with touchless features, will enhance the passenger experience on commercial flights".