It would be a trial period for now
In November 2020, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that the COVID-19 pandemic contributes to the major impact of the air transport industry. Some airlines can barely survive. With the rising of COVID-19 cases worldwide, the year 2020 marks at the worst year ever in history for the industry. Therefore, the United Arab Emirates carriers have decided to partner with IATA to salvage the situation. These airlines are set to be among “the first airlines” to go through with the IATA Travel Pass trial.
Read: COVID-19 Update: From Total Lockdown Rumours To Potential CMCO 2.0
How does it work?
Both Emirates and Etihad will proceed to test an application that allows pre-travel verification of coronavirus tests and vaccinations. This initiative hopefully will help to reduce the spread of the virus as people are travelling. Isn’t that great? Anything for hassle-free travelling is definitely good news!
The mobile app would enable passengers to create a ‘digital passport’ for them to verify their pre-travel test or vaccination. Of course, all should be done by meeting the requirements of the destination. Besides that, passengers will be able to share the test and vaccination certificates with the airlines and authorities create a smooth passage for travelling.
Emirates is expected to begin in April this year while Etihad‘s guests on selected flights from Abu Dhabi will start in the first quarter of 2021. If the trial period is successful, Etihad shall proceed with extending their leverage to other destinations as well.
