Singapore Airlines (SIA) has launched a one-stop online portal for covid-19 pre-departure testing for its passengers.
SIA customers will be able to book their pre-departure Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology tests, and receive their results on this one-stop online portal.
Ms JoAnn Tan, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines said, “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,” she added.
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. With plans to expand this service to more cities in the SIA and SilkAir network over the next few months if the pilot is successful.
With pre-departure testing becoming a mandatory requirement for more countries, this new service would allow SIA’s customers to book their test appointments on an online booking portal securely and seamlessly after making their flight bookings.
SIA’s partner in this pilot is Collinson, a global leader in the provision of traveller experiences, including medical and security assistance.
Todd Handcock, President, Asia Pacific, Collinson said, “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,” Handcock added.
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.
The portal will also be able to house digital health passes documenting passengers’ Covid-19 status.