A ‘Travel Ready’ plan has been devised by Fiji Airways as it prepares for a return to flying once border restrictions ease and travel demand returns.
The Pacific island nation’s flag carrier has all international flights currently cancelled until the end of July.
The airline is awaiting approval from authorities in Fiji and its key international markets before announcing international flight schedules.
However, it is preparing by creating a new role of medically qualified Customer Wellness Champions who will fly on all international services.
The dedicated staff will manage and maintain wellbeing, passenger medical safety and promote wellness to passengers and crew.
Facemasks will be mandatory for travel for both Fiji Airways and inter-island Fiji Link passengers once international services re-commence.
All customer-facing staff will wear PPE, including sales office, airport and lounge staff, as well as cabin crew.
“The re-designed on board service and experience will reduce contact between customers and crew while maintaining the uniquely warm Fiji Airways hospitality,” the airline said.
Managing director and chief executive Andre Viljoen said: “Our in-house teams, including our aviation medical advisor, Dr Rounak Lal, have been working closely with health authorities and other stakeholders to get Fiji Airways Travel Ready.
“We have reviewed all interaction points across the Fiji Airways customer experience, and taken guidance from the World Health Organisation, Iata and Icao to draw up enhanced safeguards for our guests and staff when we resume international flights.
“These are just some of the many measures, actions and changes that our customers and staff can expect for their protection.
“We will continue to be guided by our stakeholders and health authorities in our efforts.
“Of course, we remain flexible and can ramp up measures as necessary or as required by the countries we operate to.
“One crucial factor that will be enforced, but as yet remains unknown, is the entry restrictions or requirements for Fiji and other destinations on our network.
“Given the expected fluid nature of Covid-19-related border requirements – including possible quarantine upon arrival – we encourage all customers to familiarise themselves with what to expect prior to travel through the Travel Ready hub.”
Viljoen added that further safeguards and passenger experience enhancements unique to Fiji Airways will be revealed shortly.