Air New Zealand is asking customers to prepare for international travel by getting vaccinated. From 1 February 2022, the airline will require customers travelling anywhere on its international network to be fully vaxxed
Qantas has already taken the same stance and other airlines are doing the same.
“We’re getting ready to reconnect with the world and letting customers know what they need to do to be ready to take off when we can,” Air New Zealand’s chief executive Greg Foran said yesterday.
“Being vaccinated against Covid-19 is the new reality of international travel – many of the destinations Kiwis want to visit are already closed to unvaccinated visitors. The quicker we get vaccinated, the sooner we can fly Kiwis to places like New York, Vancouver and Narita.
“We’ve been hearing from both customers and employees that this measure is important to them. It came through loud and clear in our recent consultation process with employees and we want to do everything we can to protect them. Mandating vaccination on our international flights will give both customers and employees the peace of mind that everyone onboard meets the same health requirements as they do.”
These requirements will sit alongside the measures the airline already has to keep New Zealand safe.
“It’s not just customers who will be required to be vaccinated – it’s everyone on board an Air New Zealand aircraft travelling internationally, adding to the health and safety measures we already have in place. Another tool in our toolbox.
“As with anything, there will be some that disagree. However, we know this is the right thing to do to protect our people, our customers and the wider New Zealand community. We’ll spend the next few months making sure we get this right, ensuring it works as smoothly as possible for our customers. This also gives anyone wanting to travel from next year plenty of time to get their vaccination.
“To take some of the friction out of the travel experience and to help our customers know exactly what they need to travel before even getting to the airport, we’re continuing to work on rolling out the International Air Transport Associations (IATA) Travel Pass app.”
The airline continues to work closely with the Government and Airport groups on the Reconnecting New Zealanders plan.
Air New Zealand’s vaccination requirement will apply to all passengers aged 18 and older arriving or departing Aotearoa on an Air New Zealand aircraft. Customers who are not vaccinated will be required to present proof that vaccination was not a viable option for them for medical reasons.
IATA Travel Pass
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran. Photo, Air New Zealand
Using Timatic, the IATA Travel Pass will check customers’ health information against flight details to ensure they are meeting entry requirements for that destination, and the airline.
The app is based on decentralized technology which means there is no central database holding passenger information. Passengers have complete discretion as to whether they share their data or not and they can delete their data at any time on the app, without fear of this being stored.
Air New Zealand sent the following communication to its frequent flyers yesterday:
Kia ora,
We’ve all missed out on so much these past 18 months – celebrating weddings, meeting new babies, and saying big goodbyes. Opportunities, moments and milestones – big and small.
But now the clouds are parting, and we can see blue sky ahead.
At Air New Zealand, we’re getting ready for the return of international travel, and we hope you are too. Our reasons for getting back up in the air might be different, but we can all agree there’s something magical about dusting off a passport, feeling foreign currency in your pocket, and jetlag, glorious jetlag.
I’m looking forward to that screech of aircraft tyres as we land in New York for the first time. Seeing the sun catch the Pacific Ocean as we leave New Zealand waters for somewhere else. Hearing the words “have a great flight”.
Our airline hasn’t been sitting on our hands during the pandemic. Every part of Air New Zealand is preparing for the day when borders re-open.
From how we keep you comfortable, to the food you eat, we’ve been testing new ideas and products. We’ll go the extra mile to ensure every journey together is a safe and enjoyable one.
As the pathways to the world re-open, we’ve been looking at how we can keep you and New Zealand safe. That’s why from 1 February next year, we’ll be asking all international travellers aged 18 and over, arriving or departing Aotearoa, to be fully vaccinated before they board our aircraft.It looks like proof of vaccination and pre-departure testing are going to be a part of flying for a while yet. Increasingly, the places Kiwis like to fly to will be closed to unvaccinated visitors, and we’re working on ways to streamline the travel process for you.
In the meantime, every action that we all take – be it getting vaccinated, tested or masking up – is a step towards opening back up to the world. We may not quite be there yet, but we’re well on our way.
Whether you’re at home or abroad – I want to thank you. For everything you’ve done to keep our community safe and for your loyalty to Air New Zealand.
In the meantime, we’re getting ready to take off as soon as the captain says.
Ngā mihi nui,
Greg Foran
Greg Foran
Chief Executive Officer
Edited by Peter Needham
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