To allow the reopening of borders and revive its sector, the International Association of air Transport is in the process of developing a “digital health passport” called the IATA Travel pass. The latter will be able to store information relating to passenger tests and vaccines.
In a statement, IATA, which represents around 290 airlines providing more than 80% of air traffic, specifies that: “The IATA travel card will make it possible to manage and verify the secure flow of information on the need for screening or vaccination between governments, airlines, laboratories and travelers”.
A launch in the first quarter of 2021
The organization explains that this pass could be effective even before the arrival of vaccines. “Right now, that means convincing governments that routine pre-departure COVID-19 testing can replace quarantine requirements. And that will eventually lead to a vaccination program. “
The launch of this Travel pass is scheduled for the first quarter of 2021. The IATA Travel pass will also be available as a smartphone application.
.IATA Travel Pass is a new global health solution to help govts re-open borders safely#IATATravelPass links a passengers ID + #health data+#COVID19 test or vaccine results giving govts confidence that #COVID19 transmission risk is minimized.
https://t.co/tvnbfpkZr5 #IATAAGM pic.twitter.com/81QeSPDF9I– IATA (@IATA) November 23, 2020
“Precise information on testing requirements”
Passengers will be able to share their test and vaccination results “In a verifiable, secure and privacy-friendly manner”, details the press release. In addition, the organization ensures that this pass can also transmit “Precise information” for travelers “On testing requirements and where they can get tested or vaccinated”.
The IATA digital platform will also have a “Lab App” whose aim is to enable “Laboratories and test centers authorized to securely share test and vaccination certificates with passengers”.
At the 76e IATA’s annual general meeting, the organization deplored significant losses, due to the pandemic, for the sector: “Airlines are expected to lose $ 118.5 billion in 2020 and an additional $ 38.7 billion in 2021, not turning positive until the end of 2021.”
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