Heathrow Airport is to run a pre-departure testing study that combines data from four airlines in a bid to “safely re-build international routes” and “pave the way for a universal pre-departure passenger testing model”.
The study brings together results of pre-departure testing trials carried out by four of Heathrow’s transatlantic carriers – American Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic – and the final report will be shared with both the UK and US governments.
The study will be authored by Oxera and Edge Health who have previously identified a lack of real-world pre-departures data on which to base analysis of the effectiveness of this type of testing model.
The news comes two weeks before the government’s test to release scheme comes into force which will enable arrivals in England to reduce quarantine from 14 days to a minimum of five days.
Heathrow will have access to anonymised testing data generated by each of the separate pre-departure trials being conducted by participating airlines. The airport believes the cumulative results of the various tests “will help the industry and governments to evaluate which pre-departure testing approach is practical and safe enough to replace quarantine and other travel restrictions”.
The test will compare the effectiveness of PCR tests, LAMP and lateral flow antigen devices used in airline trials as well as tests carried out at Collinson and Swissport’s facilities in Heathrow’s Terminal 2 and Terminal 5, which were launched earlier this year.
Heathrow CEO, John Holland-Kaye, said: “These trials will build on the government’s initial testing strategy, setting a standard for a safer and more comprehensive approach to passenger testing, that we hope will accelerate the return to travel as we once knew it.
“With Brexit imminent, we need to urgently find the most effective way to restore the UK’s trading network and facilitate safe global travel, keeping Britain competitive as it leaves the EU.”