Page 51 - World Airnews February Magazine Edition 2021

NEWS DIGITAL

TWO FOREIGN AIRLINES

Prior to a full rollout of the travel pass, bring invaluable input and feedback to
Emirates will implement phase 1 in Dubai improve the Travel Pass programme. This
At least two foreign airlines have for the validation of COVID-19 PCR tests is the first step in making international
begun trial runs of the new travel pass before departure. travel during the pandemic as convenient
as possible, giving people the confidence
created by the International Air Transport In this initial phase, expected to begin in that they are meeting all COVID-19 entry
Association (IATA) - a mobile app to help April, Emirates customers travelling from requirements by governments.
passengers easily and securely manage Dubai will be able to share their COVID-19 “As borders re-open, IATA Travel Pass
their travel in line with any government test status directly with the airline even will be further enhanced with more capa-
requirements for COVID-19 testing or before reaching the airport through the bilities to meet all governments testing or
vaccine information. app, which will then auto-populate the vaccination verification requirements and
The IATA Travel Pass enables passengers details on the check-in system. Emirates customers will be among the first
to create a ‘digital passport’ to verify their Emirates’ chief Operating Officer, Adel to have these services.”
pre-travel test or vaccination meets the Al Redha, said while international travel Within the IATA Travel Pass app, the
requirements of the destination. They remains as safe as ever, there are new integrated registry of travel requirements
will also be able to share the test and protocols and travel requirements with will also enable passengers to find
vaccination certificates with authorities the current global pandemic. accurate information on travel and entry
and airlines to facilitate travel. “We have worked with IATA on this requirements for all destinations regard-
Recently United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) innovative solution to simplify and less of where they are travelling from.
carriers - Emirates and Etihad - have digitally transmit the information that is It will also include a registry of testing
required by countries and governments
enlisted into the programme. Emirates into our airline systems, in a secure and and eventually vaccination centres -
airline, along with dnata, is among the first efficient manner. making it more convenient for passengers
transport and air services organisations in to find testing centres and labs at their
the world to offer employees the option to We are proud to be one of the first departure location which meet the
get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. airlines in the world to pilot this initiative, standards for testing and vaccination
The Emirates Group also rolled out the which will provide an enhanced customer requirements of their destination.
COVID-19 vaccination programme for its experience and conveniently facilitate our The platform will also enable authorised
substantial UAE-based workforce in coor- customers’ travel needs.” labs and test centres to securely send
dination with the Dubai Health Authority, IATA senior vice president for airport, test results or vaccination certificates to
and the Ministry of Health and Prevention. passenger, cargo and security, Nick passengers.
The inoculation drive began on Monday, Careen, added that they were proud to The global registry, managed by IATA,
January 18, with priority being placed on work with Emirates to make IATA Travel will manage and allow the secure flow
its frontline aviation workforce, including Pass available in the Middle East region. of necessary information amongst all
Cabin Crew, Flight Deck and other “With its global customer base and net- stakeholders and to provide a seamless
operationally focused roles. work traffic, Emirates as a partner will also passenger experience. Q

NEWS DIGITAL

EAST AFRICA FREIGHT

TRANSPORT SERVICE

China Merchants. The project International Special Business Djibouti’s Vision 2035,
represents the final stage in Zone. which aims to maximise the
Ethiopian Airlines and the the implementation of the This new development will advantages of its geostrategic
Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Port-Park-City concept - the full play a key role in advancing position. Q
Authority (DPFZA) have agreed integration of ports, industrial
to launch a freight transport parks and services.
service. In an investment amount of
This aims to transport more more than (US) $350 million,
than 400,000 tonnes of goods, this project will make Djibouti
mainly from China to Africa, as a leading business centre
per African Aerospace. where the business community
The agreement will help the around the world ‘meet and
Ethiopian Airlines to double its exchange' and will eventually
existing cargo service. create more of 27,000 jobs.
At the end of 2020, an DPFZA launched a landmark
investment agreement was project - the regeneration
signed between Great Horn of the historical Port of
Investment Holding and Djibouti into the East Africa

World Airnews | February Extra 2021
— 4 —