Emirates has agreed with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) over the implementation of a digital health pass to all passengers across the airline‘s network.
“Emirates continues to invest in technology and solutions, like IATA Travel Pass, so that we can deliver smooth journeys and contactless experiences for our customers while enabling our airport teams to handle document checks efficiently and in compliance with regulatory requirements,“ Adel Al Redha, the chief operating officer of the airline, announced in the Emirates statement dated September 23, 2021.
Since the beginning of trials in June 2021, Emirates has collaborated with IATA and its partners to enhance the IATA Travel Pass experience based on passenger feedback. The pilot version of the digital health pass was initially tested gradually on 12 Emirates routes. However, after a few months of trials, the airline decided to sign a contract with IATA and became the first carrier to implement the pass across its global network in all six continents. Now the carrier expects to roll out the digital solution across more than 120 airline destinations by October 2021.
“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 travelers,“ Adel Al Redha said.
Emirates expects that the IATA Travel Pass will help the airline to cut queues during document checking procedures on arrival at the airport of departure, and will provide accurate information to its passengers on COVID-19 test requirements. The app will also verify with the carrier and border authorities whether a passenger meets the requirements for travel. Meanwhile, travelers will also be provided with necessary information on test requirements when traveling to a particular country as well as get instructed where s/he can get tested or vaccinated.
“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. This will avoid queuing and congestion for document checks – to the benefit of travelers, airlines, airports, and governments,” Nick Careen, the senior vice president of operations, safety, and security at IATA, said.