ADDDIS ABABA- Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced that it has joined hands with BGI Health Ethiopia, a subsidiary of China's biotech giant, the BGI Genomics Co., Ltd, to launch high-end COVID-19 testing laboratory at its main hub and the continent's busiest airport, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Africa's leading Airline.

It is pleased to announce that the testing center is opened to revitalize the passengers' business by creating seamless travel experience that includes COVID-19 testing to passengers departing or transiting via Addis Ababa.

The state-of-the-art COVID-19 testing lab is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to provide passengers with quick and accurate testing. Currently, the lab has a capacity to carry out 1,000 COVID-19 tests a day with a potential to grow further after expansion.

Regular test results can be obtained within three hours, leading to a convenient travel arrangement by reducing waiting time for testing and result collection, it was indicated.

Ethiopian Airports CEO Eskinder Alemu said "We introduced the testing lab inside our hub at Addis Ababa with a view to addressing our customers' challenges in travel and reviving passenger services. Originating or transit passengers will no longer have to look for testing centers in the city and wait in lines for COVID- 19 testing.

"The lab at the airport eliminates the hassle for testing and brings convenience and helps restore passengers' confidence in travel.

The facility is the outcome of the excellent partnership between Ethiopia's flag carrier and the BGI Health Ethiopia towards ensuring the safety of passengers in line with all international requirements. We will continue to adapt our operations to the new normal so as to ensure customers' safe travel with Ethiopian."

Timeliness of COVID-19 test results has been an issue of concern for passengers who wish to transit or extend their stay in Ethiopia and the provision of testing at the airport simplifies customers' journey with Ethiopian.

The laboratory -performs RT-PCR and IgM antibody tests for COVID-19 to departing, arriving and transit passengers with high level of efficiency in delivering the results. As a result, Ethiopian hopes to see a revival of passenger traffic following the move, it was learnt.

Copyright The Ethiopian Herald. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)., source News Service English