Published on Thursday, October 8, 2020

United Airlines, Cathay Pacific trial new digital health app

Cathay Pacific and United Airlines are testing a new digital health app.


The CommonPass is a digital platform which allows travelers to digitise their Covid-19 test results which is hoped may become a global standard for all cross-border air travel.


It aims to streamline the presentation of test results, checking in and border processing.


It is being tested on passengers on a voluntary basis flying with Cathay Pacific between Hong Kong and Singapore, and on United Airlines flights between London Heathrow and Newark Liberty International Airport.





Following successful trials, it may be expanded to other airlines and routes globally.


After taking a Covid-19 test at a certified lab, passengers upload the result to the app via smartphone and then must complete any relevant health questionnaire required by the destination country.


If everything is compliant, a QR code is generated which is scanned by airport staff and border control officers.


CommonPass was developed by The Commons Project, a US non-profit public trust.


Dozens of countries, as well as the CDC and U.S. Border Protection, are participating.


It is hoped CommonPass could serve as a global standardized verification system that can be used globally at any airport.


The system could potentially be used at a later time as a so-called 'immunity passport' to verify travelers who have been vaccinated.


Big hopes are riding on it as it has been backed by a number of major travel brands.


 


Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor

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