(Alliance News) - American Airlines Group Inc said Tuesday it has launched a transatlantic Covid-19 testing trial alongside British Airways on selected flights between the US and London Heathrow.
AA said the trial, which is also being operated through the Oneworld airline alliance, sees optional Covid-19 tests being offered to passengers on selected flights and is intended to "scientifically demonstrate how Covid-19 testing can reopen international travel and remove the need for passengers to quarantine on arrival."
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 Heathrow, participating customers will proceed to their 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.
The third test kit offers an at-home testing option through the self-collection of a saliva sample which is taken three days after arrival in the UK.
"The UK is a critically important business and leisure destination that our customers want to visit. We believe the results provided by this trial will be vital for reopening transatlantic travel safely," British Airways Chief Executive Sean Doyle said. "We need the UK government to introduce a system that allows travelers to take reliable, affordable tests before departure, so they are confident that fellow passengers are Covid-free. For people arriving from countries with high infection rates, a further test on arrival should then release them from quarantine."
American Airlines shares were down 0.9% at USD12.68 in New York Tuesday, while shares in BA parent International Consolidated Airlines SA ended down 3.3% at 153.45p.
By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com
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