NATACS Develops Platform for Covid Testing Reqs

The National Air Transportation Association’s Compliance Services (NATACS) division has launched a CDC Check System to assist operators in meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) testing and documentation requirements for all inbound international flights. All passengers travelling in from international destinations must produce documentation of a recent Covid-19 test or recovery from the virus, according to a CDC order that went into force.

In accordance with the directive, CDC Check digitizes the operator’s documentation and record-keeping requirements. According to NATACS, the technology is also meant to secure the privacy of passenger information. Passengers can use the system to submit their own information, electronically sign their attestations, and upload their test results prior to their flights. Passengers are then given a validation number, which crew members must verify and validate before they board their flight to the United States.

“NATACS took great care in ensuring the same safeguards and integrity of passenger data for CDC Check as are available across all of their platforms,” NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts said. “Because health is crucial, this approach further limits the already minimal touchpoints given by private travel—a game-changer for the industry.”

While NATA sought to devise a solution to aid with the testing regulations, the organization welcomed indications from US government authorities that such testing would not be necessary for domestic flights.

In a letter last week, the association encouraged administration officials to avoid burdening the business with such regulations, claiming that a mandate would impede essential services. NATA stated that it is still monitoring the situation.