EVA Air to start first trial of health certification app AOKpass in Asia

Secure app uses blockchain technology to verify passengers’ details

EVA Air is to start the first pilot in Asia of AOKpass, a secure health certificate platform and app.

It will be available on flights between Taiwan Taoyuan Airport and San Francisco/Los Angeles.

Users will be able to securely verify their COVID-19 test results with the airline, from laboratories approved by local health authorities.

They will also benefit from fast track channels at San Francisco and Los Angeles, while retaining the privacy of their personal health data.

AOKpass has been deployed for over 500 flights, which it says “reflects its strong focus on forming local, regional and global alliances for interoperability across jurisdictions and industries”.

EVA Air senior vice president product marketing, David Chen, said: “It is vitally important that our passengers’ health is protected, their data is secure and they have a convenient travel experience.

“AOKpass supports all these three key aims and the pilot will be assisted by our trusted medical partner, MedAire. By running a six-week pilot we will be able to see the consistent benefits to our passengers.”

Bill Dolny, chief executive of MedAire, specialists in providing medical and security support to the aviation and maritime industries, said:

“As organisations are starting to return to travel and operations, ICC AOKpass has been instrumental in ensuring that airlines, airports, and immigration authorities can deliver this safely and sustainably.

“AOKpass, and the extensive testing network that supports it, has already been used to process thousands of health passes, supporting travellers since September 2020. For the growing number of returning travellers, safety at scale is critical, as is continuing to provide assurance and renewed confidence in travel.

“EVA Air is to make this another successful implementation and step towards our collective industry goal to open the skies with safe travel once again.”

Under current regulations, travellers to and from Taiwan Taoyuan Airport are required to take a PCR test for COVID-19 72 hours prior to departure.

With the AOKpass, EVA Air passengers are able to store their PCR test results digitally on their mobile devices for later verification at the airport.

The AOKpass management system completes this verification using a global, blockchain-based network ensuring all test results are genuine, valid, and in line with government regulations.