The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has ‘successfully’ trialled its COVID-related Travel Pass on an international flight for the first time.

The IATA Travel Pass, a digital health pass aimed at ensuring the safe reopening of borders, was used for a Singapore Airlines flight which landed at London’s Heathrow Airport.

“Digital health credentials will be essential as borders reopen and travel restrictions get progressively lifted worldwide,” said JoAnn Tan, Acting SVP of Marketing Planning at Singapore Airlines. “The successful implementation of the IATA Travel Pass reflects Singapore Airlines’ goal of using secure digital solutions to verify health credentials, and support a safe and seamless travel experience for our customers.”

During the trial, passengers on Singapore Airlines flights from Singapore to London could use the Travel Pass to create a digital version of their passport on their smartphone, input their flight details to learn about travel restrictions and requirements, and receive verified test results and confirmation that they meet all travel requirements.

The Travel Pass also provides a way to share vaccination certificates, though that feature was not used in this initial trial.

“The successful implementation of IATA Travel Pass in this trial with Singapore Airlines passengers demonstrates that technology can securely, conveniently and efficiently help travelers and governments to manage travel health credentials. The significance of this to re-starting international aviation cannot be overstated,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.