The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in cooperation with the government of the Republic of Panama and Panamanian airlines, has launched the pilot project of IATA travel pass to help passengers manage their travel plans easily and safely, so as to meet the requirements of the government for testing or vaccination information of the new coronavirus.

Panama is the first government to participate in IATA Travel Pass, which will help rebuild the Intergovernmental links and work together to manage the risks of COVID-19.

·Panamax is the first airline to pilot IATA travel pass on the American continent.

Panamanian passengers can create "digital passport" in IATA travel pass. Passengers can match their travel routes with the COVID-19 health requirements of their destinations and verify whether they meet these requirements. The initial pilot phase is expected to start in March for some of Panamanian's flights from its Americas hub in Panama City.

Dan Gunn, senior vice president of Panamanian aviation operations, said: "Panamanian aviation is very honored to be one of the pioneers in the implementation of IATA travel pass in cooperation with the International Aviation Association and the Panamanian government. IATA travel pass helps passengers better meet the health requirements of the government. International standard solutions for digital health passports such as IATA travel pass are key to the safe restart of the travel and tourism industry, which is an important contribution to the economies of Panama and Latin America. "

"The government of Panama supports the implementation of this important tool developed by IATA. Tourism is an important pillar of China's economic recovery. The tool restores confidence in travel and tourism by integrating the information needs of different stakeholders to meet our health requirements. " Mr. Ivan Eskildsen, director of Panama Tourism Bureau, pointed out.

"The IATA travel pass project is advancing rapidly. The cooperation with Panamanian Airlines is the first test in the Americas and will provide valuable advice and feedback for improving the travel pass program. This is an important step to realize international travel under the shadow of the global epidemic situation, so as to give tourists confidence that they can meet the relevant entry requirements of the government. We are honored to work with Panamanian airlines and the Panamanian government on this crucial test. " Nick careen, senior vice president of the airport, passengers, cargo and Security Department of the International Aviation Association, stressed.

Mr. Peter CERD á, vice president of IATA America, said. "Aviation is the pillar industry of many economies on the American continent. The epidemic crisis caused the stagnation of the aviation industry and the surge of unemployment, which accounted for the largest proportion of the unemployed in the whole region. IATA travel pass helps governments ensure that passengers have complied with health requirements, enabling the aviation industry to connect the region's economies with each other and re-establish ties with the world. Panamanian aviation's extensive network in the region and Panama's strategic geographical location make it an ideal partner to test IATA travel pass. "

In addition to checking travel requirements, IATA travel pass will also include registration information for testing and final vaccination centers - making it easier for travelers to find testing centers and laboratories that meet the destination's virus testing and vaccination requirements at the departure point.

IATA travel pass helps authorized laboratories and virus testing centers to safely send virus test results or vaccination certificates to passengers, so that important information can flow safely and be managed among all stakeholders, providing seamless passenger experience.

Source: civil aviation resources network