Digital travel pass successfully trialed on first international flight

The first passenger using the International Air Transport Association, or IATA, Travel Pass app landed at London's Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, on a Singapore Airlines flight from Changi Airport.

The app trial allows travelers to store and manage certifications for COVID-19 tests or vaccines.

It can also be used to create a secure digital version of the passenger's passport on their phone, input flight details for information on travel restrictions and requirements, as well as storing verified test results and a confirmation that they meet all travel requirements.

Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's director general and CEO said: "The successful implementation of IATA Travel Pass in this trial with Singapore Airlines passengers demonstrates that technology can securely, conveniently and efficiently help travelers and governments to manage travel health credentials. The significance of this to re-starting international aviation cannot be overstated."

Singapore Airlines is the first carrier to try out the app, on flights from Singapore to London.

Travelers will still need to bring a physical copy of the health certificate that is issued by the clinic where they took their COVID-19 test, the airline said, which is in line with current regulatory requirements.

The airline added that by consolidating the verification of health credentials into a single app, participants can expect a faster and more seamless check-in process.

"Digital health credentials will be essential as borders reopen and travel restrictions get progressively lifted worldwide," said JoAnn Tan, acting senior vice president of marketing planning at Singapore Airlines.

The trial will run till March 28 and IATA said the app allows airlines to manage new travel requirements without "drowning in inefficient and ineffective paper processes".

Nick Careen, IATA's senior vice president of airport, passenger, cargo, security, said: "This real-life proof of concept should give all governments confidence that the industry has a workable digital solution that will ease the pressure of incorporating health certificate checks into the travel process, including at borders."

In a recent IATA poll of travelers, 89 percent agree with the need for global standards and 80 percent said they are keen to use a mobile app to manage their travel credentials.