Copa Airlines and Panama participate in IATA Travel Pass trial

The Government of Republic of Panama and Copa Airlines are taking part in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) IATA Travel Pass trial.

IATA Travel Pass is a digital platform for passengers to help them store and manage their verified certifications for Covid-19 tests or vaccines.

The initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by the governments to reopen borders safely and confidently without quarantine.

IATA Travel Pass mobile application incorporates a global registry of health requirements, global registry of testing / vaccination centres, lab app, and contactless travel app to manage travel documentation digitally.

It is expected to be available in iOS and Android stores by March 2021.

IATA Airport, passenger, cargo and security senior vice-president Nick Careen said: “The IATA Travel Pass is gaining momentum. This trial, the first in the Americas, will provide valuable input and feedback to improve the Travel Pass programme.

“This is an important step in enabling international travel during the pandemic, giving people the confidence that they are meeting all Covid-19 entry requirements by governments. We are proud to be working with Copa Airlines and the government of Panama on this vital trial.”

The partnership with IATA makes Panama and Copa Airlines the first government and the first Americas airline, respectively, to trial the IATA Travel Pass.

Select flights from Copa’s Hub of the Americas in Panama City will take part in the initial trial phase, which is expected to commence in March.

Copa Airlines passengers will use the app to create a ‘digital passport’, which will help them to travel with ease while complying with any government requirements for Covid-19.