AUA and Vienna Airport start quick test trial phase
On Friday, Vienna Airport and Austrian Airlines launched the rapid corona tests announced a few days ago. Passengers on the midday flight were able to take part voluntarily and free of charge. In the test phase, which has now started, passengers on selected AUA flights can take part. There is no obligation to do so. The airport and the Austrian Lufthansa subsidiary are particularly clear that a negative rapid test result is not currently a "replacement" for a negative PCR result, which must be presented upon entry in many countries. In this regard, it is up to politicians, who still have to draw up permits, regulations and agreements for this. Within the European Union, an agreement at EU level would be extremely helpful. But it will take some time, because the debate is still in its infancy. As soon as the authorities give the green light, passengers on other airlines will also be able to take advantage of the rapid tests. No comment has yet been made on the possible costs, as there is still a political discussion in this context, both in Austria and at EU level. However, the unit costs are considerably lower than with the classic PCR test. "The plane is already the safest means of transport in public transport. Nevertheless, we want to go one step further with this test project and make air travel even safer," says Austrian COO Jens Ritter, explaining the aim of the project. Many passengers may be concerned about what happens if the rapid test before departure comes back positive? Austrian Airlines, as the pilot partner of the new procedure, explained that any costs for rebooking to a later connection will be borne by the airline.