The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Emirates, which flies to more than 120 destinations across the globe including Harare, has become the first airline to implement the International Air Transport Association’s IATA Travel Pass solution on six continents and is rolling out the digital health pass to customers at all its destinations.
Following successful trials in April on selected routes from its Dubai hub, Emirates gradually expanded the IATA Travel Pass pilot to customers on 12 routes in June.
It has now signed a contract with IATA to implement the solution across its global network.
In a statement on Wednesday, the airline said the facility is presently available to its customers travelling from 50 cities while the roll-out across more than 120 destinations is expected to be completed by October.
The airline’s chief operating officer, Mr Adel Al Redha, said they will continue to invest in technology and solutions like IATA Travel Pass to deliver smooth journeys and contactless experiences for their customers.
At the same time, he added, this will enable their airport teams to handle document checks efficiently and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
“We are pleased to partner with IATA on the IATA Travel Pass solution from early pilot trials to full implementation and we will continue to work closely with IATA on enhancements to facilitate even more secure and smoother journeys for travellers,” he said.
IATA senior vice president operations, safety and security Mr Nick Careen said Emirates’ implementation of IATA Travel Pass across its global network cements its role as a key tool in managing the complex myriad of health credentials required for travel.
“By providing passengers with a one-stop-shop to demystify, manage and process these credentials through a secure automated process, they can arrive at the airport ready-to-fly using automated processes,” he said.
“This will avoid queuing and congestion for document checks – to the benefit of travellers, airlines, airports and governments.”
The pass enables passengers to find accurate information on travel, testing and vaccine requirements for their journey, and to access certified Covid-19 testing centres at their departure location that meet the requirements of their destination.
The app allows passengers to manage their travel documentation digitally, from receiving test results and vaccination certificates directly from authorised labs and test centres to conveniently and securely sharing these documents with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel.
It currently allows travellers to access over 1 500 Covid-19 test labs via the IATA Travel Pass app.
