A worldwide Covid-19 testing network is to be incorporated into Iata Travel Pass certification app.
European diagnostic services provider Unilabs will become one of the first major lab groups to be integrated into the app.
Unilabs will be able to securely upload test results in Iata Travel Pass, which are then checked against the a global registry of national health requirements, to produce an ‘OK to Travel’ status.
Through the app, passengers can share their status and the digital test certificates with authorities, airports, and airlines.
Unilabs and Iata are running a pilot scheme in the UAE.
Once the processes are up and running, the initiative will be expanded to other parts of the Unilabs network in other countries.
The lab group has performed almost 10 million Covid-19 tests across its network in 17 countries since the start if the pandemic. Alongside PCR tests, Unilabs also performs antigen and serology tests.
The deal follows the airline trade body agreeing a partnership with testing provider Eurofins to incorporate its testing network into the app.
Iata director general Willie Walsh said: “Covid-19 testing will play a role in re-starting international travel.
“Travellers will need to understand test requirements, locate labs, verify their identity to the lab and transfer their test results to relevant parties – airlines and governments – as needed.
“Our partnership will give travellers access to Unilabs’ extensive network and help them securely and efficiently manage their test results.”
Unilabs’ president and chief operating officer Michiel Boehmer added: “As international travel starts coming back, we are ready to do our bit – delivering the fast, effective, and reliable Covid-19 tests that will get people moving again.”