Finnish flag carrier Finnair has revealed that it is to start accepting a COVID-19 vaccine certificate to allow passengers to fly. Currently, many airlines require vaccinated individuals to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate. By taking action, Finnair becomes one of the first airlines to do so.
Vaccines have been put forwards as one of the aviation industry’s miracle cures. With a vaccinated population, it is hoped that the risk of COVID-19 will decrease, allowing countries to reopen their borders. But to do this, vaccine certificates need to start being accepted for travel.
Finnair is set to begin accepting vaccination certificates as proof of COVID-19 status. Of course, the rules of acceptable certificates are typically set by the destination country. For example, Finnair could not accept vaccination certificates for flights bound for the United Kingdom as a test certificate is mandated.
As such, the airline has been working with the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare. From May 11th, vaccinated individuals flying to Finland will be able to travel with a vaccine certificate. Only the first jab will be required to fly with the airline. Unlike many countries, Finland is also accepting proof that somebody has previously recovered from COVID-19 and has antibodies to the virus.
According to the airline, the first vaccine dose must have been administered at least 21 days before the date of travel to be eligible. The certificate needs to show the passenger’s name, date of birth, vaccine producer, time and place of vaccination, and who issued the certificate. As such, the NHS certificate from England wouldn’t be accepted, as it doesn’t show a date of birth or place of vaccination.
Commenting on the news, Kimmo Ketola, who is the Medical Director at Finnair, said,
“Vaccines have proven their power in fighting the pandemic, and vaccination certificates will play a key role in the upcoming EU Digital Green Certificate to ensure the health and safety of travellers. The likelihood of a vaccinated person being infected and transmitting COVID-19 is very small.”
Finland’s requirements, countries will need to coordinate acceptance of each other’s proof of vaccination.
