Momentum is growing for IATA’S travel pass, with Singapore the latest destination to sign on for the airline association’s technology initiative, which is being touted as a means to accelerate a safe return to travel.

Starting May 1, passengers travelling to the city will be able to use IATA Travel Pass to share their pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test results upon check-in with their airline, as well as on-arrival at the immigration checkpoints at Changi Airport. The measure is cited as part of an ongoing collaboration between the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and IATA to facilitate seamless and efficient travel through digital certificates of COVID-19 tests.

“Having the confidence of an aviation leader like Singapore accept IATA Travel Pass is hugely significant,” says Willie Walsh, IATA’s new Director General, who adds that the joint effort will be “a model for others to follow.”

Walsh adds, “Ongoing trials put us on track for IATA Travel Pass to be a critical tool for the industry’s restart by delivering verified travel health credentials to governments,” while emphasizing that travellers can have “complete confidence” that their personal data is secure and under their own control.

CAAS Director-General Kevin Shum, CAAS Director-General commented, “This latest collaboration with IATA demonstrates our shared commitment to drive the adoption of digital health certificates and restore international air travel. As we look to safely rebuild the Changi air hub, we will continue to explore other solutions that can provide similarly secure and verifiable means of sharing health certificates for safe international travel.”

More than 20 airlines have announced trials of the IATA Travel Pass and IATA advises that travellers to Singapore intending to use the IATA Travel Pass should check with the airline they are travelling with for eligibility.

The International Air Transport Association represents some 290 airlines comprising 82 percent of global air traffic.