Singapore Airlines is extending rapid PCR testing to flyers departing from the UK, in addition to Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia. Olivia Palamountain reports

Singapore Airlines is alleviating the headache of pre-departure Covid testing with the launch of a UK rapid turnaround, pre-departure PCR tests.

Already underway for customers based in Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong, the UK is now the fourth market to benefit from accessing 36-hour pre-departure tests (the norm is 72 hours), available to all Singapore Airlines passengers as part of an on-going pilot scheme.

The initiative is a collaboration between Singapore Airlines and Collinson – a global leader in the provision of traveller experiences – and the leading private sector testing provider in the UK.

With pre-departure testing now a mandatory and evolving requirement for many countries, the Singapore Airlines service is both ultra-convenient and cost effective: PCR tests with this initiative cost just £99 (find Globetrender’s guide to booking mandatory PCR tests here).

After booking their flights, Singapore Airlines customers will be directed to book their pre-departure test via Collinson’s secure online booking portal.

Test results are received through the same portal within 36 hours, along with a digital certificate and a QR code for presentation upon check-in. Alternatively, passengers can print out their results.

The link for customers to access the portal will be featured across the Singapore Airlines website and SingaporeAir mobile app, as well as being included in customers’ booking confirmation and pre-departure emails.

If customers have booked their flights via travel agency partners they will need to book their testing packages independently via a link provided by their agency or directly on the Singapore Airlines website or app.

Mohamed Rafi MAR, general manager of UK and Ireland for Singapore Airlines, says: “Expanding the one-stop pre-departure testing portal to our UK based customers is part of our ongoing efforts to provide passengers with a vital service during this time.

“By housing all necessary pre-departure information on one platform, our passengers can enjoy a much more streamlined and seamless booking and pre-flight experience with Singapore Airlines.”

Todd Handcock, president of Asia-Pacific for Collinson, says: “Testing remains crucial to reopening global borders, restoring confidence in travellers and getting the world travelling safely again. This new pre-departure testing service for Singapore Airlines’ UK passengers is an extension of our partnership, which saw the testing service launch in Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong in recent months.

“Our goal is to provide airlines with the support they need to help passengers test with ease and reach their destination as easily and safely as possible. The travel industry is inextricably linked to economic progression and we are dedicated to helping the industry get back on its feet. Continuing to implement robust testing protocols is key to long-term stability.”

Collinson was the first private provider given the go-ahead by the powers that be to offer the mandatory Covid tests required by the government directly in airport terminals, with dedicated and accredited medical facilities located across six major airports.

These include London Heathrow, Manchester, Luton, Stansted, London City and East-Midlands. In addition, a testing facility is available at the 02 Arena.

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