Heathrow is currently offering rapid Covid-19 testing to passengers flying from London to Hong Kong and Italy.
The airport is available for £80, with results available within an hour, and comes from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific.
“We’re committed to providing a range of services to our customers,” said John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport.
“These facilities have the potential to make it easier for passengers to go to those countries and take the test and provide services to arrive,” he added.
In the case of the test, the authorities are for passengers to Hong Kong who request arrival to get a negative result 72 hours before the flight.
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Aviation Trade Body Airlines UK, welcomed the quick test, but said the costs could be reduced.
“For business passengers, £80 is probably very competitive, but we’ve been saying it’s good to introduce a £50-60 test to the government in terms of introducing tests when they arrive in the UK.”
Rapid testing is known as the ramp (isothermal amplification via loop) test, and is faster than the tests performed by the NHS.
Passengers who want to book a flight must book online with Collinson before arriving at the airport.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the process of doing things,” said David Evans, Collinson’s co-Chief Executive Officer. “As countries around the world are adding the UK to their list of ‘high risk’ countries, we need to work with governments, travel brands and other commercial institutions to find ways to safely open up travel from the UK. ”
The test is currently for passengers departing from Heathrow, not for those landing in London.
In the news, IAG stocks (LON:IAG) rose sharply from 5% to 104,90 (1241GMT).
