In line with the continuous efforts to implement digital solutions to enhance travel experience during COVID-19, Etihad Airways has expanded IATA Travel Pass on flights between Abu Dhabi and seven destinations across its network.

Passengers on all Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and seven destinations including Bangkok, Barcelona, Geneva, Madrid, Milan, New York and Singapore can avail benefits from the IATA Travel Pass that aims to provide the convenience of a one-stop platform for managing all COVID-19 related documents.

Speaking about the development, Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Aviation Group CEO, stated that the company has received positive feedback from customers during the IATA Travel Pass trial. Etihad’s guests expressed their appreciation for the ease of use and data security provided by the platform.

"Etihad is pleased to now make IATA Travel Pass available on flights to and from seven major global cities, providing more guests with the option of simplifying their journey and airport experience," Al Bulooki added.

Furthermore, Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, noted that Etihad’s decision to expand IATA Travel Pass was taken on the basis of the positive customer feedback, indicating a strong endorsement of the solution among the guests. Careen underlined that the IATA Travel pass was designed to provide a one-stop-shop solution to travellers such that they are able to manage their COVID-19 documentation with safety and efficiency and generate an ‘OK to Travel’ trust with the airlines.

"It’s great to see the app in use facilitating the restart of international travel," he affirmed.

Significantly, Etihad Airways was one of the world's first airlines to launch the trial of the IATA Travel Pass in April 2021. The initiative was started to provide a global and standardised solution to travellers to facilitate the validation of their documents and navigate COVID-19 travel requirements.

In order to access the facility, guests are required to download the IATA Travel Pass app from their Android or iOS mobile app stores. On the app, they can add their Etihad Airways travel itinerary, view travel requirements and safely share PCR test results and other medical documents needed for travel.

The IATA Travel Pass app also offers the option to upload vaccination certificates to boost travel to countries requiring vaccination. As of now, the app is accepting EU Digital Covid Certificates issued by all 27 member states of the European Union in addition to Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein. It is also accepting vaccination certificates from Singapore and Qatar.

As more and more countries are vaccinating their populations, the IATA Travel Pass app will be adding more COVID-19 vaccine certificates to its system to facilitate seamless travel during the ongoing circumstances. 

WAM