YVR to test select WestJet passengers for coronavirus before takeoff

Vancouver International Airport and WestJet are collaborating on a pilot project that will see passengers on select flights get tested for coronavirus before takeoff.

Tests will become available to some departing WestJet passengers this fall, YVR announced in a blog post Friday.

“Our industry has always been heavily focused on safety and for us this pilot is a natural evolution of our historical commitment,” the airport said, adding it hopes the project boosts travellers’ confidence.

“It’s also about building collective knowledge and literacy, which will help inform longer-term solutions around communicable diseases.”

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The airport is also working with academics and health authorities to make sure the data is passed on to be studied and inform pandemic best practices going forward.

As the airline industry deals with sagging passenger numbers during the pandemic, YVR hopes this initiative will play a small part in making the travelling public feel safer.