(TAN): American Airlines, British Airways and oneworld have launched an optional Covid-19 medical-based testing trial on selected flights from the United States (US) to London Heathrow (LHR), in a combined effort to scientifically demonstrate how testing can reopen international travel and remove the need for passengers to quarantine on arrival.
The free tests will initially be offered to eligible customers booked on American Airlines flight AA50 departing Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) to LHR; British Airways flight BA114 departing New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to LHR; and British Airways flight BA268 from Los Angeles (LAX) to LHR, beginning November 25. The test will be expanded to American Airlines flight AA106 from JFK to LHR, with a launch date to be communicated.
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Eligible customers booked on flights that are part of the trial will be contacted by American Airlines and British Airways with instructions on how to volunteer. Each customer participating in the trial will take three tests in conjunction with the journey.
The first test, to be taken 72 hours before departure from the US, is a convenient at-home RT-PCR test provided by LetsGetChecked. Customers will self-collect a nasal sample, under the supervision of medical professionals via a virtual visit.
After landing at LHR, the second test at the airport, the LAMP test, provided by Collinson, involves the collection of a nasal sample by a medical professional. After the test is completed, a test kit for the third test will be provided to the customer that is to be used for self-collection of a saliva sample three days after arrival in to the United Kingdom (UK).
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Chairman and Chief Executive of American Airlines, Doug Parker, said: “We have received tremendous feedback from our customers in response to testing, as it provides peace of mind for safe and enjoyable travel. Chief Executive of British Airways, Sean Doyle and Chief Executive of oneworld Rob Gurney both are optimistic that the initiative will get people travelling with confidence and stimulate economies.
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