Latest digital platform to verify Covid-19 test results

The Taiwanese airline plans to extend this service to flights from Malaysia and Indonesia to Taipei and is evaluating the introduction of digital systems on other routes based on trial outcomes.

From the start of the pandemic, EVA has made every effort to safeguard passengers’ and crewmembers’ health and safety, says the airline. Airline Ratings’ recognition of EVA as one of the ‘World’s Top Twenty Covid-19 Compliant Airlines’ with ‘Seven Star Certification for Covid-19 Epidemic Prevention’ reaffirms that dedication as the airline actively pursues development of different digital verification platforms.

When the pandemic was in its early stages, EVA began monitoring digital verification platform development and cross-border application standardisation that will enable international systems to connect and help prevent further spread of the pandemic. EVA is also working with airlines and industry organisations to implement a reliable digital platform for verifying passengers’ PCR test results and vaccine records.

Determining the authenticity of test results

Singapore began requiring QR Codes for PCR test results from medical institutions in March 2021. At airports with Affinidi’s platform, airline ground staff can scan the QR code and quickly determine the authenticity of test results, including the name of the medical institution, date of the test and whether the passenger meets relevant policy requirements in their destination country. Among regulations that may vary from country to country, Taiwan currently requires each passenger to present a paper copy of their PCR test result from a medical institution when they check in.

In an earlier trial, EVA found that, on average, digital verification saved passengers as much as five minutes of wait time and prevented human errors stemming from individual interpretation of a test result. Digital verification improved passengers’ experience at the airport and boosted operation efficiency significantly.

As Covid-19 vaccines roll out across the globe, international travel is likely to resume apace. Standardised digital health verification systems will make it easier for international travellers to prove they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 and confirm negative test results.