A masked traveler at an airport (illustration).

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Johannes EISELE / AFP

Emirates and Etihad will be among the first to test an application to verify PCR tests or the vaccination situation of their passengers.

The two airlines have joined with the International Air Transport Association (Iata) to test the new "Iata Travel Pass", they said on Tuesday.

Emirates becomes one of the first airlines in the world to trial @IATA Travel Pass, a global digital platform for COVID-19 updates and test verification.

https://t.co/9XBs7RHNKz#FlySaferWithEmirates #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter pic.twitter.com/uTSTESDmeG

- Emirates Airline (@emirates) January 19, 2021

Set up systematic screening tests

The "IATA Travel Pass" allows passengers to create a "digital passport" to "verify that their test or vaccination meets the requirements of their destination," explained Iata.

The Covid-19 crisis has "threatened the survival of the airline industry", with 2020 being "the worst financial year" for the sector, the association said in November.

For Iata, only systematic screening tests can correct the situation while waiting for the generalization of vaccines.

To facilitate practice worldwide, the private body has therefore developed an application for a digital health passport, which would guarantee in particular the authenticity of the screening test or the vaccination certificate.

A pass gradually extended to several regions

Emirates said it would implement the first phase of the test in April in Dubai, a city-state that has largely reopened its borders to international tourists.

"Emirates customers traveling from Dubai will be able to share their coronavirus test status directly with the airline, even before arriving at the airport, thanks to the app," she said.

The Iata passport will be made available to Etihad passengers for "certain flights departing from Abu Dhabi during the first quarter of 2021", the company said.

“If successful, the pass will be extended to other destinations in the Etihad network.

"

The United Arab Emirates recently embarked on a massive vaccination campaign for its population of 10 million.

On Monday, Emirates announced a vaccination program for its staff in the United Arab Emirates, which totals tens of thousands of employees.

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