Sarah Jane Lee
Image credit: Miguel Ángel Sanz
After news of airlines rolling out online portals and digital verifications for COVID-19 tests, Korean Air customers have jumped on the bandwagon too. More importantly, Korean Air customers will be among the first in the world to access the IATA app. This will provide a secure system to manage their COVID-19 testing or vaccination information digitally. The IATA digital travel pass eventually prepares the world for safe and convenient travel in a post-COVID-19 era.
The first trial is planned for their Incheon-Los Angeles flight KE011 in May, where an internal test will first be carried out in April. The IATA Travel Pass shows traveller’s COVID-19 test results through a mobile phone application. In the future, the individual’s proof of vaccination will also be made available for users.
Also read: Scoot Singapore Rolls Out Online Portal For Verification of COVID-19 Test Results and More
Standardising health verification through a credible platform
Since vaccination programmes have been progressively introduced worldwide, travel demand is expected to be on the road to recovery. That also means COVID-19 vaccination and test results are crucial. Despite regulatory measures, it is challenging for governments to validate paper vaccination certifications or test results, given the possibility of forging paper certificates and longer immigration procedures.
Not only has the IATA Travel Pass has been developed to tackle such problems, but also encourage safe travel between borders by standardising health verification through a credible platform. Seungbum Lee, Korean Air’s Chief Customer Service Officer, states that the digital travel pass will improve customer’s experience as they can share health information in a convenient and secure manner. In addition, it also saves processing time at airports, alleviating the stress of travellers who may be anxious during these uncertain times.
IATA’s Senior Vice President Nick Careen shares how partnering with Korean Air to trial IATA Travel Pass is a key milestone in fostering greater trust and confidence to restart the travel industry.
Initiatives to ensure traveller’s hygiene and safety
Image credit: Korean Air
Under the “Test & Fly” initiative, passengers can take a COVID-19 antigen test at Incheon Airport’s testing centre. Subsequently, they will receive test results within an hour on the Travel Pass mobile app, which they have to install in advance.
Also, Korean Air’s “CARE FIRST” programme ensures cleanliness and hygiene by frequent and thorough disinfection of aircrafts, fever checks and minimal contact between passengers and employees.
Small steps to bring back the travel industry
Indeed, the Korean Air initiative to incorporate IATA Travel Pass is a commendable effort. Ultimately, the safety of passengers is a priority. We’re glad that countries are working together to ensure safe and efficient regulations as borders open progressively.
