Etihad Airways in partnership with Elenium Automation are about to test new technology able to monitor the temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate of any person at airports.

The purpose of these self-service devices installed at airports is to help identify people with potential medical conditions, including the early stages of the coronavirus.

Jorg Oppermann, Vice President Hub and Midfield Operations at Etihad Airways highlighted that the aim of this device in not to diagnose medical conditions. It is expected to serve as an “early warning indicator which will help to identify people with general symptoms”.

This technology could be made available at check-in or information kiosk, a bag drop facility, a security point or immigration gate. Therefore, initially Etihad will trial the technology at its hub airport in Abu Dhabi.

“The Elenium system will automatically suspend the self-service check-in or bag drop process if a passenger’s vital signs indicate potential symptoms of illness. It will then divert to a teleconference or alert qualified staff on site, who can make further assessments and manage travellers as appropriate”, the airline said in a statement.

Beginning at the end of April and through the May the airline will test the new screening technology with volunteers. When travel restrictions are eased and flights resume, the devices will be tested with outbound passengers.