European medical diagnostic service provider Synlab is partnering with IATA (International Air Transport Association) to incorporate its network of Covid-19 testing labs into IATA’s Travel Pass. Through the international laboratory network, travelers will have access to up to 450 testing labs and more than 1,600 sample collection points across 36 countries. The move follows a recent successful passenger testing pilot in Colombia.
Mathieu Floreani, CEO of Synlab, commented, “We are pleased to partner with IATA to make traveling as safe as possible. At a time when people around the world are resuming air travel, and different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are spreading, testing remains crucial. Testing is a central pillar in monitoring and controlling the pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus. As the market leader in Europe for PCR testing, we have conducted 18 million PCR tests since the outbreak of the pandemic, underlining our strong expertise in this incredibly relevant field.”
Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, added, “Verified Covid-19 testing is critical to restore the freedom to travel for people who are not vaccinated. IATA Travel Pass aims to make it as simple as possible for travelers to locate certified labs and securely receive the test results that governments require for entry. Adding Synlab’s extensive lab network will help travelers more easily ensure that they meet their Covid-19 travel requirements.”