Air Canada is introducing a trial for a digital tool through its mobile app for customers to scan, upload, and verify their COVID-19 test results, beginning 29JUN 2021 on flights from FRA to YYZ and YUL. The airline plans to roll-out the tool across its network later this summer pending feedback from the trial, with new capabilities that include a pre-validation of proof of vaccination.
The Air Canada COVID-19 tool is intended to help air travellers validate compliance with government travel requirements prior to arriving at the airport, and is developed in partnership with travel technology company Amadeus.
For the FRA departure trial beginning on 29JUN 2021, the digital tool will accept COVID-19 PCR test results from Centogene Labs in Germany. The use of the new function by customers is optional.
Details on the user experience during the trial can be found below:
- There is no requirement to download an application, as a link to submit documents will appear on the Air Canada mobile app or mobile website during check-in
- Within 24 hours of departure, customers checking-in on mobile can securely submit their test results by scanning a QR code of the Centogene lab test result
- Customers will then receive a message verifying the test that will enable them to pass through the airport and board their flight without any further requirement to demonstrate the validity of their health documents
- Customers must bring and retain their original documents for the duration of their journey
One of the features to come is based on Amadeus's Traveller ID technology, which automates document verification for travellers in order to minimize queues. Capabilities to manage test results from other labs and also vaccination records are also to be introduced in the future.
The tool also provides information about the government health entry requirements of the destination country. Air Canada has designed it to be compatible with other health passport applications currently under development around the world.
"As travel resumes around the world, we're proud to do our part to support government health protocols that protect passengers and safeguard local communities. Once fully rolled out, this new function from Amadeus will make it easy for customers to securely submit their COVID-19 test results and records of vaccination for review ahead of their flights. Pre-validation of those documents will streamline the airport experience, one of many ways Air Canada is focused on elevating the customer journey with touchless travel services," said Mark Nasr, Senior Vice President, Products, Marketing and eCommerce.
