Singapore Airlines tests Covid health verification system

Bangkok Desk, Dec 23 (efe-epa).- Singapore Airlines announced Wednesday that it has begun testing a digital verification system of Covid-19 test results and vaccinations, anticipating future requirements from governments around the world.

It is the first airline to apply this technology based on the Covid-19 Travel Pass designed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents more than 260 companies around the world.

Singapore Airlines said in a statement that the mobile app will enable airline employees to authenticate passengers’ Covid-19 tests and vaccines by use of QR code, which could soon be required to travel internationally.

Vaccinations against Covid-19 are at an early stage and no government currently requires a vaccination certificate, although they do require tests for the coronavirus.

“Covid-19 tests and vaccinations will be an integral part of air travel for the foreseeable future. We are offering a digital solution that allows the easy and secure verification of this information” said JoAnn Tan, acting senior vice president of marketing planning.

The verification system will be offered to passengers flying from Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur to Singapore from Dec. 23, with the possibility of extension after a trial period.

Before taking the flight, passengers will be able to present a paper or digital certificate of their coronavirus tests required by the Singapore authorities.

On its website, the IATA warned that airlines will have to comply with government requirements on Covid-19, including vaccinations.

“Governments, not airlines and not IATA, make the rules on entry requirements for travelers… If governments make vaccinations a requirement for travel, airlines will comply, and the IATA Travel Pass will help them,” it said. EFE-EPA

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