Singapore Airlines First In World To Pilot IATA’s Travel Pass App
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be the world’s first airline to pilot the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Travel Pass mobile application for digital health verification. The airline will first use the Pass with passengers travelling from Singapore to London from 15 to 28 March 2021.
This marks the second phase of SIA’s digital health verification process trials. The process is based on the IATA Travel Pass framework.
Passengers with mobile phones running on Apple’s iOS operating system can download the IATA Travel Pass app. Following that, they will create a digital ID comprising their profile photo and passport information. They can also insert their flight information into the app.
Subsequently, they can book their pre-departure Covid-19 test at one of seven participating clinics in Singapore via a dedicated online portal. They can then register at the clinic using the digital ID and flight information in the app. They will be able to view their test results and confirmation status to fly directly on the app. IATA’s Timatic registry will provide the back-end information on the Covid-19 testing and entry requirements.
Passengers must still bring a physical copy of health certificate
Participants must show their confirmed status in the app to Changi Airport check-in staff before flight departure. They must also show the physical copy of their health certificate from the clinic, where they took their Covid-19 test. This procedure is in line with current air travel regulatory requirements.
Participants can expect a faster and more seamless check-in process by consolidating the health credentials into a single app. Participants will have complete control over how their personal information is shared. The data is stored locally in the mobile phone and not in any central database. This aspect is critical, given the highly sensitive nature of health data.
If successful, the pilot will pave the way for the integration of the entire digital health verification process into the SingaporeAir mobile app. This integration may occur around mid-2021.
SIA will continue to work closely with its partners in the facilitation of these trials. The airline’s goal is the eventual restoration of a seamless travel experience for its customers.
SIA and IATA comment on the Travel Pass
Ms JoAnn Tan, Acting Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines, said: “The first phase of the trials helped to support SIA’s drive towards a secure and convenient industry standard for the verification of Covid-19 test results. As well as the health status of passengers, including their vaccination status, in the future.
“That gives us the confidence that in the second phase, we can further streamline the verification process for eventual integration into SIA’s mobile application. This integration will help to provide a hassle-free digital solution for our customers in the new normal. It will also help to bring about a more seamless travel experience.”
Mr. Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Airport, Passenger, Cargo, and Security said: “Our partnership with Singapore Airlines for the first full deployment of the IATA Travel Pass will help get the world flying aga. It is the solution for travellers to safely and securely manage their travel health credential in the immediate terminals. In conclusion, the IATA Travel Pass will place Singapore Airlines passengers at the front of the queue for an even more convenient contactless travel experience.”