United hopes trans-Atlantic COVID tests will boost passengers

United Airlines will trial COVID-19 rapid testing on flights between New York and London in November as airlines continue to push for a testing regime to replace quarantine. The free tests, the first on trans-Atlantic flights, will be available to passengers over two years old on select flights between New York-Newark and London from November 16 to December 11. The airline is hoping the tests will boost revenue and passenger loads. READ: IATA says airlines face catastrophic 2021 due to COVID. The testing will be optional on flights included in the trial but anyone who declines will be transferred to another service to ensure everyone on a plane aged over two has tested negative. “We believe the ability to provide fast, same-day COVID-19 testing will play a vital role in safely reopening travel around the world and navigating quarantines and travel restrictions, particularly to key international destinations like London," said United chief customer officer Toby Enqvist. "Through this pilot program, we'll guarantee that everyone on board has tested negative for COVID-19, adding another element to our layered approach to safety. “United will continue to lead on testing, while at the same time exploring new solutions that contribute to the safest travel experience possible." The US carrier says it will share customer feedback from the trial with governments on both sides of the Atlantic. The tests will be administered on Flight 14 departing Newark at 7:15 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Passengers will need to book an appointment to be tested and have been advised to take it three hours before the flight at an on-site facility located in the Newark United Club near gate C93. United has already offered pre-flight testing for a fee to passengers traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii. That program allows passengers who test negative to bypass a 10-day quarantine requirement in Hawaii and resulted in 95 percent rise in passengers in the first 10 days compared to the prior two weeks. The US airline believes this demonstrates a strong pent-up demand for travel, customers’ willingness to use pre-flight testing and its importance in opening up borders. It has also participated in a successful test program between Newark and London of a digital health pass aimed at enabling safer travel and opening up borders. The International Air Transport Association has been urging governments to use systematic COVID-19 testing to re-open borders without quarantine and avoid as many as 1.3 million job losses globally. But the idea is a hard sell with the number of cases growing as the northern winter approaches and countries reimposing lockdowns. Gulf carrier Emirates has made COVID testing mandatory for United Arab Emirates residents, passengers from about 60 countries transiting its Dubai hub and tourists from the UK and Germany. UAE residents and tourists visiting Dubai must take two tests — one before departure and the second on arrival.