Virgin Atlantic claims to have become the first UK airline to introduce Covid-19 pre-flight testing for cabin crew and pilots at its Heathrow base.
Initially available for in-flight staff working on flights to Shanghai and Hong Kong, the carrier plans to extend the trial to Barbados and select services later this month, before a wider plan to test every operating crew member at least once a month.
After a swab is taken on site, results are processed and delivered on an app within 30 minutes.
The carrier said it will ensure that the testing programme complements NHS lab-based testing and does not compete for nor divert health service testing resources.
Virgin Atlantic has also introduced free Covid-19 global insurance cover via Allianz Assistance for all bookings which applies to travel until March 31, 2021.
The carrier continues call for UK and US governments to introduce pre-departure testing to remove quarantine and minimise travel restrictions.
This comes as the government signalled last week that a Covid testing trial could be signed off this month and flights to New York could be included by the end of November.
Chief secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay told the Conservative Party conference on Saturday: “There are a number of issues within the wider question of testing.
“We are acutely aware, both in Treasury and across government, that this is a key issue with the sector and I hope the government will be in position to say more about this in the coming days.”
He suggested that there might be a two-pronged approach, noting business travellers will have different needs to tourists, The Telegraph reported.
Virgin Atlantic chief customer and operating officer Corneel Koster said: “The introduction of on site pre-flight Covid-19 testing for our crew and pilots ensures we remain at the forefront of the aviation industry’s safe return to the skies.
“As testing technology and Covid-19 requirements around the world develop, we want to utilise technology that is relevant, accurate and available to keep our teams and customers healthy and safe. While the Covid-19 testing landscape evolves, we continue to be in discussions with multiple providers offering different technologies to guarantee the best solution possible, while absolutely ensuring that we do not compete with the NHS for vital resources.”
He added: “This trial is a first step in our phased plan to introduce regular testing for all of our teams in the air and on the ground, in order to instil confidence in flying.
“However, we continue to call for the swift introduction of a wider co-ordinated passenger testing regime.
“We need urgent action from UK and US governments to introduce pre departure testing, to remove the need for quarantine and to minimise travel restrictions, while protecting public health and half a million UK jobs associated with the sector.
“As long as the UK’s 14-day quarantine is in place, demand for travel will not return and the UK’s economic recovery, which relies on free flowing trade and tourism, cannot take off.”