From 12 November, Lufthansa will start trials of comprehensive Covid-19 antigen rapid tests on the route between Munich and Hamburg. The trial ts taking place in partnership with Munich and Hamburg airports, as well as biotech company Centogene and the Medicover Group's medical care centre, MVZ Martinsried.
Lufthansa is offering its passengers on two daily flights the opportunity to be tested free of charge before departure. Those who do not wish to be tested will be transferred to an alternative flight at no additional cost.
LH2058, which leaves Munich for Hamburg at 09:10, will be the first test flight to carry '100 per cent negative' passengers. Passengers on flight LH2059 from Hamburg to Munich will also be tested.
Passengers are required to register in advance and allow a little more time before departure top take the rapid test. Upon completion of the test, passengers will receive test results within 30 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, passengers can present a negative PCR test taken no later than 48 hours at departure.
On presentation of a negative test, the airline will activate the boarding pass and grant access to the gate.
"With our test strategy, we are pursuing the goal of using the data obtained to gain important insights into the use of rapid tests. Successful testing of entire flights can be the key to revitalising international air traffic," said Christina Foerster, Lufthansa group executive board member for customer, IT & corporate responsibility.
United is launching a similar month-long trial offering free Covid tests for passengers on its services between New York Newark and London Heathrow.