Air France has become the first airline to test the IATA Travel Pass app in Canada. The airline’s pilot program is currently being implemented on outbound flights from YUL to CDG.
The program is being carried out jointly between Air France and the Biron Health Group and will begin 24JUN, running until 15JUL 2021.
"So we may improve our customers' experience, our team is delighted to be trialing this digital solution that enables passengers to safely store their COVID test results, and thus streamline their time at the airport," declared Catherine Guillemart-Dias, Vice-President and General Manager of Air France KLM Canada.
The IATA’s mobile app was released in mid-APR, and has already been tested and even used by other airlines including Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways and British Airways. It enables travellers to:
- Check the latest COVID-19 related entry requirements for their country of destination
- Have the results of their COVID-19 test sent directly into the app
- Securely store these documents in the app so they can demonstrate to airlines and authorities that they meet the relevant entry requirements
This trial is free of charge for customers, and is offered on a voluntary basis. It is currently only open to customers travelling on Air France-operated flights with Paris as a final destination.
Testing will be carried out at the Biron Health Group's onsite facilities at the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. Eligible passengers will receive a notification a few days before their departure.
Testing is possible on the day of departure for travellers ages 11 and up who have not been vaccinated or have only received their first dose, as they are required to present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result issued within 72 hours of their departure to enter France.
The traveller must:
- Download the IATA Travel Pass app and activate it using the code transmitted by Air France
- Book an appointment for his PCR or antigen test on the Biron Health Group website. At the time of the test, they must ask to have the result integrated directly to the IATA Travel Pass app
- At the airport, they must proceed to the Air France SkyPriority counter. When checking travel formalities, present their phone with the digital results
All the user's health details remain on the app: at no point are they transmitted or centrally stored, which assures the user of total control over all their personal data.
This summer, Air France will operate 17 weekly flights from YUL to CDG.
