IATA Partners Unilabs To Help Passengers Manage COVID-19 Tests
Unilabs and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed an agreement to incorporate Unilabs’ worldwide Covid-19 testing network into IATA Travel Pass according to IATA.
The agreement makes Unilabs one of the first major lab groups to be integrated into IATA’s Travel Pass app. Proof of a negative Covid-19 test is required by many governments as a condition of entry, and the app makes the process seamless, secure, and easy.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General said: “Covid-19 testing will play a role in re-starting international travel. Travellers will need to understand test requirements, locate labs, verify their identity to the lab and transfer their test results to relevant parties – airlines and governments – as needed. Our partnership with Unilabs will give travellers access to Unilabs’ extensive network and help them securely and efficiently manage their test results.”
Michiel Boehmer, Unilabs’ President and COO said: “We are delighted that IATA has chosen us for this initiative. As international travel starts coming back, we are ready to do our bit – delivering the fast, effective, and reliable Covid-19 tests that will get people moving again.”
IATA Travel Pass provides information on entry requirements, directs travellers to trusted labs, and allows passengers to receive and manage digital certificates for Covid-19 tests or vaccinations.
According to IATA, Unilabs will be able to securely upload test results in the IATA Travel Pass, which are then checked against the IATA Timatic global registry of national health requirements, to produce an “OK to Travel” status. Through the app, passengers can share their status and digital test certificates with authorities, airports, and airlines.
Unilabs and IATA are currently running a pilot program in the UAE. Once the processes are successfully up and running, the initiative will be rolled out to other entities of the Unilabs network in many countries.
