Lufthansa, which has opened 4 pre-flight verification centers in Germany, and American Airlines are contemplating pre-flight verification in the United States, intensifying efforts for Covid-19 passengers.
In partnership with Centogene, a German company that provides genetic testing for the disease, Germany’s largest airline uses pre-flight testing centres at airports in Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Dusseldorf. Dusseldorf opened its doors on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, American has asked 150 immediate suppliers for proposals, Alison Taylor, America’s customer manager, said Wednesday. On a panel of the World Aviation Festival.
“We are seriously contemplating immediate testing as we explore features to build confidence in air travel,” U. S. spokeswoman Martha Thomas said in an email. “We are constantly looking for tactics for our commitment to us. “
In a virtual call with reporters Tuesday, Lufthansa’s senior director of global flooring and facilities products, Bjorn Becker, said: “People want to succeed in their business.
“There’s a little threat in life, but that threat is so low that I think it’s manageable,” Becker said, “so we can use the evidence to relive this journey. “
Lufthansa is operating at its test capability and to be able to offer testing at airports in Canada, the United States and China. The airline is “trying to create travel corridors, with tests at both ends, with China and the United States,” he said.
At the moment, the maximum number of European countries prohibits access to the maximum number of U. S. citizens due to America’s inability to coronavirus.
In terms of testing methods, all 4 Lufthansa centers will offer PCR testing, which stumbles on the genetic appearance of the virus, but takes several hours to provide effects. one hour Waiting times at airports are for airline passengers.
Becker said Lufthansa was planning to take the antigen next month.
“The PCR approach is widely validated (and) easy,” Becker said. “Antigen testing is not yet widespread (and) not validated for any country for immigration at this time. “
However, he said: “Companies like Abbott or Roche are putting that evidence on the market and we’re definitely on it. They will see us applying them for new products in the coming weeks of October. “
Testing will most likely be needed over the next 12 to 18 months, he said. Beyond this time, it is very likely that many travelers have been vaccinated.
Lufthansa premium passengers are likely to receive more benefits, such as access to antigen controls when available, Becker said. “We have a differentiation for consumers in terms of safety and boarding,” he said. “That’s what we also need to do by check. A premium line for first elegance (and) business elegance in a check center, that’s what we already have. “
Passengers flying every week or several times a month would “really” enjoy premium service, he said. However, he noted: “Testing is not a premium service. Testing is a service for each and every customer. “
Lufthansa is a spouse of a joint venture with United for transatlantic flights, so it is highly likely that a US check facility will not be able to do so. But it’s not the first time In Newark, serve United’s transatlantic passengers.
In a recent memorandum for employees, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said: “Tests, as well as masks, air filtration, social estating, disinfection, and other fitness and protective measures, not just all of you, only help build the confidence that will serve us well when you call for selections in the months and years to come. »
I’ve been covering airlines since 1989. I’m a journalist for six newspapers: Miami Herald, Charlotte Observer, Sacramento Bee, Fresno Bee, Toledo Blade and Aberdeen (Washington).
I’ve been covering airlines since 1989; I was a journalist for six newspapers – Miami Herald, Charlotte Observer, Sacramento Bee, Fresno Bee, Toledo Blade and Aberdeen (Washington) Daily World – and for TheStreet. I also worked for US Airways before the merger as an editor.
My new book, Kenny Riley and Black Union Labor Power in Charleston Harbour, is now on sale. I co-signed American Airlines, US Airways and created the largest airline in the world.
Email: treednc@gmail. com