IATA Lauds US Pre-Departure Testing Order - BY Daisy BARRO

 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has acclaimed the announcement made by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that it will require all travelers to the US to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test – a test which must have occurred not more than three days prior to the passenger’s departure to the US. The implementation of the above communiqué is effective 26 January.

Douglas Lavin, IATA’s Vice President Member and External Relations, North America said, “Systematic pre-departure testing is key to giving governments confidence to reopen markets without quarantine. Testing will ensure that at current infection levels, aviation will not become a meaningful vector of new transmissions in the US. Furthermore, IATA traveler surveys show that passengers strongly support and are willing to undergo testing.”

According to sources, IATA is encouraged by the CDC’s willingness to accept both PCR and antigen testing, which will encourage and permit more people to travel. It is expected that the steps taken by the CDC coupled with the recently launched IATA travel pass will increase governments’ confidence in re-opening their borders and also encourage more passengers to start flying again.

Lavin added that even though the CDC’s order presents operational challenges, IATA will continue working with the Center to achieve the order’s seamless implementation because it is a giant step in the right direction.