New Airport Testing Service to Get the North East Flying Again
Newcastle Airport is working in collaboration with two local COVID-19 testing companies to provide quick and affordable tests to passengers travelling from the Airport.
The North East’s largest airport has joined forces with Newcastle based companies NPH Group and MDNA Life Sciences to provide COVID-19 PCR tests and when possible rapid antigen and antibody tests.
Many destinations now require passengers to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test and it is hoped the newly formed service will provide passengers with a cost effective, reliable and convenient COVID-19 testing service prior to their travels.
The COVID-19 tests facilitated by NPH Group are able to book now and passengers will be able to attend the testing facility at Newcastle Airport from Tuesday 1stDecember. Prices are set by the testing providers and the PCR test will cost £99.00.
The new COVID-19 testing facility at the airport will be based in the ‘Premium Meet and Greet’ car park building. The facility provides a convenient location for passengers, with free on site parking available. The service will be supported by a state of the art testing laboratory within easy reach of the airport, ensuring the price is kept to a minimum and the results can be turned around quickly.
Chief Operating Officer at Newcastle Airport, Richard Knight, said:Spain, the Canary Islands and several other destinations require passengers to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before arrival.
We want to make it as easy as possible for our passengers to travel to their destination. As such, we have worked hard to develop a relationship with two highly experienced and well-regarded local companies with COVID-19 testing facilities.
Unlike postal tests, the tests provided by NPH Group and MDNA Life Sciences are administered by trained clinicians which decreases the likelihood of an inconclusive result. Passengers can receive their certified result within 36-48 hours which, if negative, allows them to travel to their chosen destination.
CEO at NPH Group, Mark Philpott, said:We are proud to be working with Newcastle Airport to make COVID-19 testing accessible, affordable and reliable for all travellers.
We have worked hard to ensure the PCR test is as easy as possible for passengers. People can simply visit our website to book a test at a date and time to suit. They can then arrive for their test and receive their results within 36-48 hours via email.
MDNA has a state-of-the-art laboratory in Newcastle city centre equipped to Category 2 Biological Safety standard. They hold a license from the UK Human Tissue Authority and testing procedures which are compliant with the ISO 15189:2012 standard required for quality and competence in medical laboratories.
It’s great to be able to provide this service to the airport and help support them in getting people back in the air again.
This article was originally published by Newcastle International Airport.
