British Airways is the first airline in the world to conduct a trial of the ultra-rapid Pelican Covid-19 antigen test, which displays results within 25 seconds.

British Airways has become the first airline in the world to conduct a trial of the Pelican Covid-19 Ultra Rapid Covid-19 test. The trial, conducted with medical tech company Canary Global, will assess how the new test, which displays a result within 25 seconds, can play a role in opening up travel.

The airline will be inviting flight and cabin crew to take the Pelican Covid-19 test and will compare the performance of the result against existing tests that they are already taking. Recently approved for use in Europe and UK, the test is currently going through U.S. FDA approval and the airline is the first in the world to trial the new technology.

The test is a non-invasive saliva ultra-rapid digital antigen test that delivers 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2. Users simply take a sample of their saliva into a disposable sensor unit, shake and insert it into a re-usable digital reader which is connected to a Bluetooth enabled device like a smartphone, and then wait for results delivered via a mobile app. The test, which probes for both the S and N SARS-Cov-2 proteins, is optimized to detect variants that have originated across the globe.

Subject to successful evaluation the airline hopes to be able to offer the test technology on applicable routes where tests have to meet the stated specificity and sensitivity standards.

“As we start to see the opening up of travel we remain committed to exploring easy and affordable testing solutions to help our customers travel again, whether it’s for business, to reunite with family and friends or take a much-needed break abroad,” says Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO.

Canary Global is in discussions with other travel, hospitality and events organisers around the world to help them safely open up with the Pelican ultra-rapid Covid-19 test. The test could also help to safely open up other business and schools. Canary is currently ramping up its production to meet the global demand.

British Airways has consistently championed testing as a way to re-open travel safely and has ensured its customers have access to a wide range of discounted Covid-19 pre-departure, return to the UK and arrivals testing options.

To offer customers further reassurance before travel, the airline is also trialling travel health app VeriFLY, which can be downloaded to a mobile device and allows travellers to check the entry requirements of their destination by providing digital health document verification and confirming eligibility before they depart for the airport.

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