The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the arrival in London of the first travelers using the IATA Travel Pass. With this app they can manage their travel health credentials. The travelers flew on Singapore Airlines.
IATA Travel Pass
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General, is enthusiastic about the trial with Singapore Airlines that took the passengers to London. Obviously, he is happy with the IATA Travel Pass and its successful implementation. “This flight demonstrates that technology can help travelers and governments to manage travel health credentials. The significance of this to re-starting international aviation cannot be overstated,” says de Juniac.
Digital health credentials

JoAnn Tan
JoAnn Tan, a Senior Vice President of Singapore Airlines is also happy. For she says: “Digital health credentials will be essential as borders reopen and travel restrictions get progressively lifted worldwide. The successful implementation of the IATA Travel Pass reflects 2 important Singapore Airlines’ goals, First, it is using secure digital solutions to verify health credentials. And second, it supports a safe and seamless travel experience for our customers.”
Digital passport
Passengers on the Singapore Airlines flight to London could do 3 things. First, create a secure digital version of their passport on their mobile device. Second, input their flight details to learn of travel restrictions and requirements. And third, receive verified test results and a confirmation that they meet all travel requirements.
Electronic documentation

Nick Careen
Nick Careen, one of IATA’s Senior Vice Presidents, adds: “Airlines understand the risks having to manage COVID-19 travel requirements with paper documentation. That would grind their ground operations to a halt. And the same is true for border authorities.”
A recent IATA poll of travelers found that 89% agree with the need for global standards. And 80% are keen to use a mobile app to manage their travel credentials.
Digital vaccination certificates
Governments need to provide a digital COVID-19 test/vaccination certificate when people are tested or vaccinated. Then they will have a verifiable document on their mobile device. This will ensure equivalence, mutual recognition, and acceptance of COVID-19 certifications for passengers when they travel around the world.
Related: Travel trends in the corona era
Tags: IATA Travel Pass, travel health credentials, digital passport, digital vaccination certificates