Singapore Airlines has launched a partnership with Collinson for a new trial offering pre-departure COVID-19 tests for customers on outbound flights from Singapore.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) customers will be able to book their pre-departure COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology tests, and receive their results on a one-stop online portal, as part of a new pilot service that was launched on 20th January,2021.
The pre-departure test service is currently available to Singapore Airlines and SilkAir passengers departing from Singapore, Jakarta and Medan, as part of its pilot test phase. The trials will run until mid-March and if successful, there are plans to expand this service to more cities in the SIA and SilkAir network over the next few months.
Customers can make an appointment for a pre-departure test with their preferred clinic from the list of recognised testing facilities available on the online portal. They will also receive their test results through the same portal, which they can then present upon check-in at the airport. These test results will come with a QR code that enables airport check-in staff and Singapore immigration authorities to verify under the new digital health verification process that SIA is piloting with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The portal will also be able to house digital health passes documenting passengers’ COVID-19 status.
The Singapore-based airline is also rolling out COVID-19 vaccination programme for its flight crew and ground workers, mirroring a similar move by Emirates.
“Piloting this one-stop pre-departure test is part of our ongoing efforts to provide passengers with a vital service during this time, as well as a more seamless pre-flight experience. By housing all necessary pre-departure information on one platform, our passengers can enjoy a much more streamlined booking experience with Singapore Airlines.”
said JoAnn Tan, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines.
“Our partnership with Singapore Airlines will help to enable the safe reopening of key routes for travellers and is another step forward in our aim to achieve the long-term, safe return of global travel. Covid-19 has brought challenges for businesses and individuals alike around the world, and while there’s optimism that the roll-out of vaccines will help to bring an end to the pandemic, there remains a complex road ahead. In order to restore confidence in travel, the implementation of safe and robust testing protocols remains key.”
said Todd Handcock, President, Asia Pacific, Collinson.