BRITISH AIRWAYS SET TO BE THE 'UK's FIRST AIRLINE TO CARRY OUT PRE-FLIGHT COVID-19 TESTS'

 The Mirror 12 August 2020 - by Rosaleen Fenton

© Getty Images British Airways could be the first European airline to offer the service

British Airways is reportedly set to become the first airline in Europe to offer passengers pre-flight coronavirus tests.

The carrier is said to be working with Boots, who will conduct the Covid-19 testing at a number of pharmacies across the UK.

The airline said that it was looking at all options to "make travel as safe and stress-free as possible for our customers in these unprecedented times."

This could see travellers having to take two coronavirus tests - one before flying with BA and another when they arrive at their destination, if the country requires it.

Sources talking to travel blog God Save The Points said training for Boots colleagues will begin next week.

More airlines could follow suit in a bid to restore confidence among travellers.

Emirates Airline previously introduced the service in March - alongside insurance for all travellers valid for 31 days from the day they travel which covers them if they catch coronavirus.

Globally, the aviation industry is feeling the financial hit following months of lockdown and cancelled flights.

All airlines now require passengers to wear a mask at the airport and on board the plane - apart from those with medical exemptions.

Brits travelling to France face even stricter measures with the government requiring passengers to wear surgical masks.

Two travellers flying with easyJet have said they were not allowed to board due to wearing reusable mask, before fellow passengers supplied some.

A British Airways spokeswoman said: "British Airways is not making pre-flight testing mandatory for all customers.  

"We are currently discussing the possibility of helping our customers access pre-flight testing through third parties if their destination requires this, however no plans have been finalised. We will share more in due course.

"We are doing everything we can to make travel as safe and stress-free as possible for our customers in these unprecedented times."

Nearly three million travel and ­tourism jobs in the UK travel and tourism sector could be lost — while the economy is close to losing £142billion from the sector.

The World Travel & Tourism Council has said rapid coronavirus testing at airports could help save jobs and stop the need for blanket travel bans.

A spokeswoman said: “WTTC is calling upon Governments around the world to begin a substantial programme of investment to ensure comprehensive testing facilities are implemented at airports, which will help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and see the return of safe travels.

"It is imperative that all airports, catering for international travel, implement globally recognised testing standards for both inbound and outbound passengers.

"This will provide reassurance to all travellers, maintain ‘air corridors’ between countries, and remove damage and disruption caused by blunt quarantines which massively impact the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector.”