Singapore Airlines is looking to test the COVID19 digital travel pass developed by International Air Transport Association (IATA). This app will be showcase pertinent information on a passenger’s health. This includes vaccination history and virus test.
Singapore Airlines is going to test the app on travelers heading from Singapore to London between March 15 to 28. Participants will need to have a phone with an iOS system to be part of the trial run. They will also need to take pre-departure COVID19 tests. And once they go on board, they will be able to see the results via the app. The app will be then be shown to the check-in staff before they are allowed to board the flight.
Nick Careen of IATA said that “Our partnership with Singapore Airlines for the first full deployment of the IATA Travel Pass will help get the world flying again”.
Hassle-Free Travel During The Pandemic
Traveling has become complicated today. Apart from testing and quarantine protocols that you will have to meet, it also takes a lot of time to check all the important documents manually. With the help of the IATA app, it is possible to encourage travelers to go back and travel again. This will also reduce the burden on the part of airport and airline staff.
Different countries are also working on having a uniform COVID19 passport that can be used to avoid confusion. EU has already been working towards having a standard COVID19 passport.
Air Asia is also looking to push for a standard travel protocol, especially for international travel. Its president Bo Lingam mentioned that travel requirements within the region are “complex and uncoordinated”. It is possible that an app could make it easier for everyone.
With more people getting vaccinated, it is possible to see more people traveling again in the coming months. And though the numbers aren’t going back to pre-pandemic levels any time soon, this can help encourage travelers to book their flights again.
