British Airways is the first airline in the world to conduct a trial with medical tech company Canary Global, to assess how its Pelican Covid-19 Ultra Rapid Covid-19 test, which displays a result within 25 seconds, can play a role in opening up travel.
BA flight and cabin crew will be invited to take the Pelican Covid-19 test. The results will be compared with existing tests that they are already taking.
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.
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.
Raj Reddy, Canary’s CEO and inventor of the technology said: “Combining the power of nanosensor and digital detection technology, the Pelican CV19 test is the first ultra-rapid test that can return a PCR-like accuracy of 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity. We developed the test with the travel industry in mind where speed, accuracy, and ease of use are paramount.”
Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “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.”
