Air Canada
Air Canada collaborates with Shoppers Drug Mart to offer a pre-departure Covid-19 RT-PCR test for customers. Credit: Heads Up Aviation via flickr.

Flag carrier Air Canada has collaborated with pharmacy retailer Shoppers Drug Mart for a pre-departure Covid-19 testing solution.

Under this collaboration, Air Canada customers can take the Covid-19 RT-PCR test to comply with international travel requirements.

Eligible Air Canada customers can purchase a Covid-19 test at participating Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, starting from 7 December.

Air Canada chief medical officer Dr Jim Chung said: “Many countries now require a pre-departure negative Covid-19 test and we are pleased to facilitate this process for our customers, making their travel experience easier and safer by recommending the RT-PCR test at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations.

“We believe that testing is one of the keys to protecting employees and customers, and an important step to safely reopen travel around the world, easing travel restrictions by providing alternative testing solutions in managing risk.”

Customers flying to any destination that requires a negative Covid-19 test, including Hawaii and the Caribbean, will be eligible for the test.

Results will be available within 24-48 hours of testing.

Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy executive vice-president Ashesh Desai said: “We’re pleased to work with Air Canada to make Covid-19 RT-PCR tests accessible to travellers, and to help customers plan their travel safely and with confidence.”

In May, the carrier launched the Air Canada CleanCare+ programme to apply industry-leading biosafety measures at each stage of the journey.

Last month, Air Canada revealed plans to pilot Covid-19 contact tracing technology in the workplace.