Air NZ 'looking into' Covid-19 digital health passport adopted by Emirates and Singapore Airlines

Air NZ is “looking into” a Covid-19 digital health passport being trialled by Singapore Airlines and Emirates to make international travel safer and easier during the pandemic. In late 2020 airline lobby group IATA, launched its “Travel Pass” app, allowing travellers to securely store and present information related to Covid-19 tests, as well as their vaccination status. In December Air NZ's alliance partner Singapore Airlines started trialling the app and, if successful, will extend it across its network. On Wednesday Emirates said it had also partnered with Iata to trial the technology, allowing passengers to create a “digital passport” to ensure their pre-departure Covid-19 test and vaccination meets the requirements of their destination. Passengers will also be able use the app to share test and vaccination certificates with authorities and airlines. When Air New Zealand was asked about its plans to adopt Iata’s Travel Pass a spokeswoman said: “At this stage we don’t have a lot to say however, we are looking into it and will likely have something in a few weeks.” On Wednesday the New Zealand Government said pre-departure testing requirements will extend to travellers from most countries from Tuesday as new strains of coronavirus have caused infection rates to spike overseas. Emirates said prior to a full roll out of the Travel Pass it would implement validation of Covid-19 tests before departure. Emirates COO Adel Al Redha said it had worked with IATA to simplify and digitally transmit information required by countries into its systems. IATA senior VP for airport, passenger, cargo and security Nick Careen said having Emirates as a partner would bring valuable input and feedback to improve the Travel Pass programme.<br/>