April 23 - Vancouver Airport Authority and WestJet released study findings showing that rapid antigen testing is an effective, acceptable and cost-efficient method for screening travellers and contributes to safer and healthier air travel. The findings were proven through the YVR-WestJet COVID-19 Testing Study, a research project led by the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Providence Health Care (Providence) alongside project sponsors, WestJet and the Vancouver Airport Authority.

 

Over a four-month period, from November 2020 through February 2021, nearly 600 departing passengers at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) were tested for COVID-19 using rapid antigen testing. All tests administered during this period were negative, leading researchers to conclude that transmissible infection in airline passengers departing from YVR is likely to be extremely low (less than one per cent). Methodology and study findings could contribute to a future testing framework for the broader travel industry.

 

Researchers from UBC and Providence were responsible for collecting samples in a ready-made testing station. Results gathered were further validated through PCR testing in a lab environment.

 

Participant feedback was resoundingly positive, with many saying the procedure was efficient, more comfortable than expected and instilled confidence about the safety of their travels. The research team found the test itself took approximately 15 to 20 minutes, resulting in minimal disruption to the overall travel experience.

 

The study, located at WestJet’s domestic check-in area at YVR, was open to WestJet guests who are residents of British Columbia, between the ages of 19 and 80, and who had not tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days. Guests had to be flying domestically and testing was available on the day of travel only.

 

 

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