NEWARK, N.J. (NewsNation Now) — United Airlines has completed its first trans-Atlantic flight to offer free COVID-19 tests before boarding.
The flight from Newark, New Jersey to London took off on Monday.
In a statement, United executives said all crew members and passengers over two received the rapid tests and that all tested negative before departing.
“These flights are a good proof-of-concept for governments around the world that are considering making testing part of the travel experience,” said Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer for United. “Expanding our testing efforts with pilot programs like this one not only helps guarantee passengers onboard test negative for COVID-19, it also adds another element to our layered approach to safety and demonstrates a way to work within quarantines to key international destinations.”
It’s part of a pilot program launched by the airline to test all passengers on this particular flight for the next four weeks.