Peach Aviation Ltd., a low-cost carrier affiliated with ANA Holdings Inc., has announced plans to begin splitting the cost of coronavirus antigen tests on a trial basis with customers who have booked flights on selected regional routes.
Many people are reluctant to return to their hometowns due to concerns over the possibility of bringing the virus with them. This initiative aims to both put such customers at ease and recover from the loss of revenue triggered by the pandemic. The government is also paying close attention to the initiative as it may help lead to a recovery in demand for airlines as well as prevent further infections.
According to the company, the trial is to be held for a one month period beginning later this month on two routes: flights from Kansai Airport in Osaka to either Amami in Kagoshima Prefecture or Miyazaki.
Select customers who have booked flights on either of the routes will have the option to undergo an antigen test if they wish to do so. The testing will take place at a medical institution affiliated with the airline and will be available up until five days prior to the day of the reserved flight. Customers will pay 3,000, yen while the airline will cover the rest of the over 10,000 yen bill.
Prior to the test, customers will be required to sign an agreement stating that they will not board an aircraft should they test positive. For this reason, only customers who have booked flight packages that allow for rescheduling will be chosen to receive the test.
As customers will be directly notified of their results, the airline will not be privy to this information. In the event of a positive test, the medical institution will report its findings to a public health center.
The trial is set to begin with only a few tests being performed per day for the time being. The company will consider expanding the scope of the project depending on the frequency of its use.
Customers will also be asked to take part in a questionnaire to evaluate the initiative's efficacy. Through this, the company will consider whether the project's continuation is feasible and whether it can be expanded to other routes before the year-end and New Year's holidays.
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