Manchester Airport in the UK has unveiled a new COVID-19 testing facility as part of a move by its parent company Manchester Airports Group (MAG) to help get Britain flying again.
A full range of tests including RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, Rapid Antigen and Antibody tests will all be available to passengers in a new, purpose-built facility just outside the main terminal building. MAG has partnered with airport services and travel medical provider, Collinson, to offer the new facility. MAG is also offering passengers the opportunity to book discounted pre-flight testing appointments on the high street at selected Boots UK stores.
“As the UK emerges from a ban on international travel, we know our passengers are keen to start flying again, but that many of Manchester Airport’s most popular destiantions, such as the Canary Islands, require a negative test before you arrive,” said Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport.
As well as benefitting those travelling through Manchester, passengers using London Stansted and East Midlands (the other two hubs in the MAG portfolio) will also be given maximum flexibility when planning their trips as MAGs new facility follows the UK Government’s decision to lift England’s international travel ban. Having a full range of tests available at Manchester Airport – for passengers who do not suspect they have COVID-19 – will let MAG passengers choose whichever process they need to meet the pre-departure testing requirements at their destination.
Passengers will also be able to book the tests they need to shorten their self-isolation period upon return under the UK Government’s ‘Test to Release’ scheme.
Smart added the new facility will ensure that the process of showing a passenger is infection-free when planning and booking a holiday will be as easy and as cost effective as possible in the current circumstances. “Our new booking platform makes it easy to select the right test for your destination, and to look at the location that is most convenient for you,” she offered. Passengers can either opt for a test on the day of departure before they go through security, or visit in the run up to their journey as the facility is located right next to the terminal building.
“This also means Manchester is perfectly placed to support the introduction of a UK arrivals testing regime, which will enable travellers to reduce the length of time they need to self-isolate if they test negative after five days.”
David Evans, Joint CEO Collinson, said: “In order to restore confidence in travel, it is critical that travellers can navigate the many different testing regimes now required by different governments around the world. We were the first company to set up COVID testing facilities at a UK airport and our partnership with MAG will bring comprehensive testing facilities to Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports. This is a major step forward in opening up the UK to safe travel.”
Collinson’s new facilities are flexible enough to respond to any changing requirements or legislation from both a pre-departure and inbound testing perspective. “Having breadth of testing capability and the flexibility to scale is critical to ensuring the aviation and travel sector can recover from this pandemic, helping to protect jobs and restore consumer confidence,” concluded Evans.
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