Qatar Airways adds vaccination certificates to ‘digital passport’ app

Qatar Airways will incorporate COVID vaccination certificates into its Travel Pass smartphone app this month, marking the latest step in an ongoing campaign by airlines around the world to chart a steady trajectory into the post-pandemic era.

The Travel Pass app is already being used by scores of airlines to verify a negative COVID test result before passengers are allowed on board, but the Gulf carrier will be the first to extend the app's scope to recognise vaccination certificates.

Qatar Airways cabin crews on flights from London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Sydney will trial the upgraded app by uploading Qatar-issued COVID-19 vaccination credentials and test results to the app.

On arrival in Doha, crew will then be able to safely and securely share their vaccination certificate with the authorities before proceeding through immigration at the airport.

"Despite the significant challenges the pandemic has caused international aviation, our industry has continued to be a leader in adopting new technologies and innovations to ensure a safe, secure and seamless travel experience for our passengers," said Qatar Airways Group CEO, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker.

Developed by the International Air Transport Association, the Travel Pass app spearheads an industry-wide push to streamline a return to the skies for business and leisure, especially as countries begin to insist on negative test results for inbound passengers and relax travel restrictions for vaccinated flyers.

The Australian government has been in discussion with IATA on possibly adopting the Travel Pass as a national standard for enabling vaccinated flyers more freedom of movement and in the short term, potentially return from some countries into seven days of home isolation rather than 14 days of hotel quarantine.