HK Express Completes First Digital Health Passport Trial

HK Express is proud to announce the completion of its first flight trial using CommonPass. By securely validating and storing COVID-19 tests and vaccine records, the digital health passport app enables travellers to easily comply with health-related entry requirements around the world, while simultaneously streamlining the HK Express pre-departure experience.

The trial took place on 6 May 2021 at Hong Kong International Airport, where HK Express flight UO172 took off for Taichung. A team of pilots and cabin crew volunteered to use the CommonPass digital health passport app as part of the international trial. Prior to the flight, the volunteers set up a user profile and took a Rapid RT-PCR COVID-19 test 24 to 72 hours before departure, which was analysed by a dedicated laboratory, Prenetics. The volunteers then received their results within 24 hours via the CommonPass app, which they can present upon reporting for duty. The app protects users’ privacy by keeping all personal identifiable information on each user’s mobile device and requiring only the minimum amount of COVID-19 related data.

The trial represents a turning point in travel and digitisation. It also opens the door to a more convenient, stress-free post-pandemic travel experience by offering passengers a seamless pre-departure experience and an easy way to ensure compliance with government entry requirements that vary widely from place to place and can change quickly day to day.

“Our international flight trial with CommonPass marks an important milestone for HK Express, as we embrace new technologies that will help the industry emerge from the pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever,” says Mandy Ng, CEO of HK Express. “The adoption of universally recognised digital health passports will not only grant passengers more control of their health data but also offer a sustainable solution for airports and airlines to slowly and carefully resume operations.”