Dubai’s Emirates trials new app to offer low-priced Covid-19 PCR tests

Dubai carrier Emirates has partnered with GE Digital Aviation Software and TE FOOD to trial a mobile app that allows passengers to undergo Covid-19 PCR tests at special discounted rates.

When using the TrustOne app, Emirates customers with an upcoming flight booking will be offered special rates for PCR tests through Eurofins – a testing and laboratory services provider – at one of its global lab facilities.

Passengers can also manage all related information in one place, including finding lab locations, booking of appointments, and test results with minimal additional data entry needs.

The app will first be launched as a trial, with the first phase commenced in the UAE, France, UK, Spain and the Netherlands.

Emirates customers travelling from the UAE can benefit from preferred rates of Dhs130 if they do their PCR test at the authorised labs via the app. Customers travelling from other countries can expect to pay competitive rates of approximately EUR70 and EUR90 (Dhs310–Dhs400), depending on the country they are travelling from.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ chief operating officer, said, “We are constantly looking for solutions to improve our customer experience. Travel requirements today are dynamic, and even more than ever, our goal is to give our customers confidence and enable them to travel safely. With this latest solution, provided in partnership by GE Digital Aviation Software and TE Food, passengers will be able to easily source accurate information on tests, approved laboratories to get tested, as well as other vital measures to be taken prior to travel. We look forward to working with our partners on a successful trial and to expand the app’s offering and benefits to our customers in the future.”

“Our business thrives in large part because of our commitment to innovating with our customers,” added Rami Aynati, GM Commercial, EMEA at GE Digital.

“Today marks another proud moment in the partnership between GE Digital and Emirates. The airline is dedicated to being at the leading edge of innovation, and we’re extremely excited to make the TrustOne app available to its customers. This is the first step in making international travel during the pandemic as convenient as possible by facilitating pre-travel requirements. The app will be further enhanced with more capabilities to meet all government testing and verification requirements, and Emirates customers will be among the first to have these services.”

During the initial trial, customers will still need to print the PCR certificates as per the current requirements of the destination they are travelling to. The second phase, which is expected to commence in a few months, will expand the list of markets and allow customers to use the app to validate their test results when checking in at the airport.

The TrustOne app is now available for download on iOS or Android devices. Meanwhile, Emirates has introduced a contactless journey with an integrated biometric path and other services including self-check-in and bag drop kiosks at Dubai International airport.