On Thursday, Lufthansa conducted its first flight on which all passengers previously tested negative for COVID-19. Flight LH2058 departed Hamburg from Munich at 09:10. This service marked the beginning of the airline group’s antigen rapid testing initiative on the two daily operations between the German hubs.
A joint effort
According to a press release seen by Simple Flying, the second flight between the two cities also saw all passengers test negative beforehand. These results follow the partnership between Lufthansa, the airports, biotech firm Centogene, and the Medicover Group’s medical care center, MVZ Martinsried. These groups have managed to offer passengers the chance to test for the virus for free before boarding one of the two daily flights.
If travelers do not wish to undergo testing, Lufthansa will transfer them to another flight at no extra charge. Moreover, those presenting negative PCR tests not older than 48 hours at departure can also board the COVID-free flight.
To qualify for airport testing, passengers must register in advance and allow a little extra time before the flight’s departure. After the test is complete, travelers receive their results within a short period by push notification and email.
A common goal
Lufthansa Hub Munich CEO Ola Hansson said the following about the initiative in the press release:
“We want to again expand the worldwide travel options for our customers while maintaining the highest hygiene and safety standards. Successful testing of entire flights can be an important key to this. With the test flights we have successfully launched today, we are gaining important knowledge and experience in handling rapid tests”.
Meanwhile, Flughafen München CEO Jost Lammer added the following in the statement:
“The trial run with the rapid antigen tests on selected Lufthansa flights is a positive and important signal for the industry. In addition to the extensive hygiene measures that airports and airlines already have in place for passengers, these tests offer an additional level of safety. This could mean that in future – if the appropriate international agreements are reached – cross-border travel without the obligatory quarantine obligation could once again be possible”.
A proactive approach
Altogether, Lufthansa has been showing its determination to maintain services with its testing measures in response to the pandemic this year. It has been spearheading initiatives and shows no signs of being complacent heading into 2021.
While the pandemic still takes its toll on society, authorities continue to implement strict travel policies across the globe. Therefore, testing processes like this will go a long way in the mission to open up travel again.
What are your thoughts about the first Lufthansa service in which all passengers previously tested negative? Do you feel that more airlines should go for this approach? Let us know what you think of the measures in the comment section.
