The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the arrival at London’s Heathrow Airport of the first traveler using the IATA Travel Pass app to manage their travel health credentials.
Passengers on Singapore Airlines flights from Singapore to London during the trial used the Travel Pass to create secure digital versions of their passports on their mobile devices, input their flight details to learn of travel restrictions and requirements, and receive verified test results and a confirmation that they meet all travel requirements.
“The successful implementation of IATA Travel Pass in this trial with Singapore Airlines passengers demonstrates that technology can securely, conveniently and efficiently help travelers and governments to manage travel health credentials. The significance of this to restarting international aviation cannot be overstated,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.
JoAnn Tan, acting senior vice president, marketing planning, Singapore Airlines, added, “Digital health credentials will be essential as borders reopen and travel restrictions get progressively lifted worldwide. The successful implementation of the IATA Travel Pass reflects Singapore Airlines’ goal of using secure digital solutions to verify health credentials and support a safe and seamless travel experience for our customers.”
According to IATA, to gain maximum benefit from its Travel Pass and avoid confusion and inconvenience for passengers, the standardization of test or vaccination certifications and their acceptance by authorities is key. A recent IATA poll of travelers found that 89% agree with the need for global standards and 80% are keen to use a mobile app to manage their travel credentials.
Read more about the IATA Travel Pass and its potential to help reopen skies in the April 2021 issue of Passenger Terminal World.