British Airways is carrying out trials of a new
ultra-rapid Covid test that can show results within 25 seconds.
The Pelican Covid-19 ultra rapid test,
from medical tech company Canary Global, will be used initially by flight and
cabin crew and, subject to successful evaluation, the airline hopes to be able
to offer the test technology on applicable routes where tests have to meet the
stated specificity and sensitivity standards.
The test is a non-invasive saliva ultra-rapid
digital antigen test that delivers 98 per cent sensitivity and 100 per cent
specificity in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2.
Sean Doyle, British Airways’ chairman and CEO,
said: “As we start to see the opening up of travel we remain committed to
exploring easy and affordable testing solutions to help our customers travel
again, whether it’s for business, to reunite with family and friends or take a
much-needed break abroad. We think this new ultra-rapid test is a game changer
so we are delighted to work with the team at Canary to begin initial trials
with our flight and cabin crew, before exploring what role it could play as a
customer testing option.”