IATA Travel Pass Successfully Trialed on First International Flight

Photo source: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Wednesday announced the arrival at London’s Heathrow Airport of the first traveler using the IATA Travel Pass app to manage their travel health credentials.

The IATA Travel Pass is a mobile app created by the association aimed to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with government requirements for coronavirus (Covid-19) testing or vaccine information.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is the world’s first airline to pilot the IATA Travel Pass, starting with passengers travelling from Singapore to London.

“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 re-starting international aviation cannot be overstated,” said IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.

Singapore Airlines will trial the IATA Travel Pass on selected flights from Singapore to London until March 28. During the trial passengers can use the IATA Travel Pass to:

• create a secure digital version of their passport on their mobile device
• input their flight details to learn of travel restrictions and requirements
• receive verified test results and a confirmation that they meet all travel requirements.

Photo source: IATA

According to the association, in order to gain maximum benefit from the 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 percent agree with the need for global standards and 80 percent are keen to use a mobile app to manage their travel credentials.

“Governments need to provide a digital COVID-19 test/vaccination certificate when people are tested or vaccinated so they have a verifiable document on their mobile device. This will ensure equivalence, mutual recognition, and acceptance of COVID-19 certifications for passengers when they travel around the world,” the association said.

The European Commission recently made a legislative proposal for the launch of a common Digital Green Certificate to facilitate safe free movement inside the EU during the Covid-19 pandemic. IATA was among the associations that applauded the proposal.

IATA represents some 290 airlines comprising 82 percent of global air traffic.