THE Wrap is a round-up of news in the travel and technology industries, and to keep track of developments in these sectors as businesses adapt and reset to meet challenges in the era of coronavirus.
Scoot carries out trials of Covid pre-departure testing at check-in
Scoot passengers departing on flights from Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong can now book pre-departure testing (PDT) with recognised and accredited partner clinics via an online portal on the airline’s website or mobile app.
The portal, which is created and managed by provider of traveller experiences Collinson, is accessible via the airline’s website or mobile app.
This service follows Singapore Airlines’ pilot Covid pre-departure testing launched in partnership with Collinson in January.
Passengers can also make payment for the tests and receive results in digital form within 36 hours via the portal. The serology test results received directly from the clinic do not contain a QR code. Test results obtained via the portal have QR codes that can be digitally authenticated digitally, streamlining verification and strengthening the integrity of the process.
The carrier plans to expand the trials to other destinations in its Snetwork if the pilot service is successful.
Scoot is also trialling a digital verification solution from Affinidi, a Temasek-founded technology company, at check-in for selected flights from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. By scanning the QR code with a secure app, check-in agents are able to quickly and reliably determine the authenticity of digital or printed Covid test results bearing a verifiable QR code issued by selected clinics. This will shorten the check- in time for travellers.
“Through both solutions we hope our customers can be assured of a more convenient, efficient and reliable experience when they travel with us,” said Campbell Wilson, Scoot CEO.
“These, among other initiatives by Scoot, not only support the gradual reopening of borders with robust safeguards in place, but also aim to meet customers’ expectations in a post-Covid world.”
One of these initiative is Scoot, together with Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir (all part of the SIA Group), were among the first carriers in the world to operate flights with a full complement of vaccinated pilots and cabin crew in February.
Todd Handcock, president, Asia Pacific of Collinson, added: “Helping to reopen key routes for travellers in a safe way is our utmost priority and this partnership is another step forward in our aim of achieving the long-term return of global travel.”
Etihad Airways extends global Covid-19 insurance
Etihad Airways has extended its Covid global wellness insurance cover until October 1, 2021.
The move “reinforces the effectiveness of Etihad Wellness, the airline’s health and hygiene programme. It’s an added benefit automatically provided to all guests – no exceptions,” said Martin Drew, senior vice president sales & cargo at Etihad Airways.
“As Etihad continues to gradually expand its services to up to 60 destinations this spring, the airline wants to instil confidence to travel and hopes this additional cover will reassure guests Etihad is doing everything it can to keep them safe and protected.”
According to the airline, its customers who are diagnosed with Covid during their trip do not have to worry about medical expenses or quarantine costs.
All Etihad tickets, regardless of date of booking, traveling between now until October 1 (extended from 31 December 2020) will include Covid insurance. Passengers with existing bookings are automatically enrolled into the programme. The insurance, launched in partnership with insurance company AXA, is valid worldwide for 31 days from the first day of travel.
Under the scheme, passengers who are diagnosed with during their trip will be covered up to €150,000 in medical costs and up to €100 a day of quarantine costs in case of a positive diagnosis for 14 days.
Etihad introduced the free global Covid insurance cover in September last year as part of its health and hygiene programme, Etihad Wellness. Its senior vice president sales and distribution Duncan Bureau said then that safety, health and the well being of its guests and employees was the carrier’s “top priority” during and beyond the flight.
“The introduction of global Covid-19 insurance, in partnership with AXA, builds on stringent measures already in place as part of our Etihad Wellness programme championed by our Wellness Ambassadors,” he added.
Singapore Airlines pilots IATA Travel Pass on first international flight
Singapore Airlines (SIA) arrived at London’s Heathrow Airport on March 17 with the first traveller using the International Air Transport Association (IATA ) Travel Pass app to manage their travel health credentials.
This makes the Singapore carrier the first airline in the world to successfully test the app for digital health verification on an international flight .
SIA announced on March 8 that it would test the IATA Travel Pass with passengers flying on the Singapore-London route from March 15 to 28
This trial marks the second phase of SIA’s digital health verification process trials, which is based on the IATA Travel Pass framework.
Passengers on SIA’s flights from Singapore to London during the pilot run can use the app to create a secure digital version of their passport on their mobile device; input their flight details to learn of travel restrictions and requirements; and receive verified test results and a confirmation that they meet all travel requirements
“The successful implementation of IATA Travel Pass in this trial with Singapore Airlines passengers demonstrates that technology can securely, conveniently and efficiently help travellers and governments to manage travel health credentials. The significance of this to restarting international aviation cannot be overstated,” remarked Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.
He added the pilot’s success was a big win for many parties. “It gives travellers a one-stop-shop to help them comply with the new rules for travel. It shows that governments can efficiently manage these travel requirements with complete confidence in the identity of the passenger and the veracity of the travel credentials—importantly, avoiding long queues. And it’s a purpose-built means for airlines to manage the new travel requirements without drowning in inefficient and ineffective paper processes.”
JoAnn Tan, SIA acting senior vice president, marketing planning, stated that digital health credentials would be essential as borders reopen and travel restrictions are lifted. “The successful implementation of the IATA Travel Pass reflects Singapore Airlines’ goal of using secure digital solutions to verify health credentials, and support a safe and seamless travel experience for our customers.”
• Featured image credit: Scoot
