The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for greater deployment of antigen tests to support the resumption of international travel. According to a report commissioned by IATA and conducted by OXERA-Edge Health, the best antigen tests, such as BinaxNOW rivals the quality of PCR tests for "100 times faster" processing times and a lower cost of 60 %. These are just some of the arguments in favour of this reliable means of detection, which is more widespread throughout the world than PCR tests, all without putting a strain on travellers' budgets when PCR tests are not free, as is the case in France.
" We can already see these rapid tests becoming increasingly common in environments other than travelThe new system will be used in all kinds of locations, including schools and workplaces. Extending its use to travel is a logical step. Science confirms it" said Alexandre de Juniac, Director General of IATA. The cost and bureaucracy of PCR tests are a huge burden for families and companies wishing to travel. "
The study conducted by OXERA-Edge Health shows that the cost of a business trip from London to Frankfurt "increases by 59 % with the obligation to carry out a PCR test". "Based on the five routes studied (London-New York, London-Frankfurt, United Kingdom-Singapore, United Kingdom-Pakistan and Manchester-Canary Islands), the financial impact of the PCR test will reduce demand by 65 % on average", she adds.
" Choosing a rapid test would be a real boost for the global travel and business community, and our research shows that it can be as effective than other test regimes and as effective as a ten-day quarantine" said Michele Granatstein, partner at Oxera and head of its aviation practice.
