Air New Zealand says its customers and employees will be among the first to trial a digital initiative to get people moving safely across the globe again.

With constantly changing entry and departure testing and paperwork requirements, the airline wants to “streamline the health verification process to help customers know what they need to take their next international trip safely”.

The airline will trial the digital Travel Pass app developed by International Air Transport Association (IATA) on its Auckland-Sydney route in April.

Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer, Jennifer Sepull, says the goal is to enable customers to seamlessly manage their digital travel documentation throughout their travel experience.

“Once borders reopen, travel is going to look very different, with customers’ health data needing to be verified at check-in,” she says. “It’s essentially like having a digital health certificate that can be easily and securely shared with airlines. This will give customers peace of mind that they meet all travel requirements for the different countries around the world before they even get to the airport.

“Reassuring customers that travel is in fact safe is one of our priorities. By using the app, customers can have confidence that everyone onboard meets the same government health requirements they do.

“By having a place to store all your health credentials digitally in one place, it will not only speed up the check-in process but unlock the potential for contactless travel,” she says.

Air New Zealand says the trial will run for three weeks once the app hits app/android store shelves in April and both aircrew and customers will be invited to join the trial. The airline also says it is in conversation with government agencies about options for validation of testing and vaccination.