Air New Zealand unveils new safety steps for domestic and inland flights

Air New Zealand has introduced additional safety measures to deter the spread of Covid-19, while the airline had planned to fly more domestic flights from 14th of May as the island nation had relaxed the locking constraints. It is also noteworthy that New Zealand had curbed the spread of the virus and is one of the countries that had responded well and timely to the wake of the pandemic in its earlier stage.

The airline updated on its website that it was “working very hard” to add more flights to its domestic schedule and that it would gradually begin to fly additional routes that had commenced its operations from 14 May.

The operation of domestic flights

Air New Zealand is preparing to fly about 20% of its normal domestic flying capacity (compared to pre-Covid-19 levels) with flights to most of its domestic airport terminals as New Zealand reaches Warning Level 2 — a level that enables domestic travel to resume. The domestic routes of the flights operated across the country by Air New Zealand are planned and executed carefully.

The new health and safety policies ensure that the travellers opting to fly with the airline may find the air travel very different at this period. Social distances will be adopted on board. Passengers flying alone would be seated near-empty seats, but the airline said “to keep families and some travelling companions together” passengers may find some people sitting together without an additional room.

Food and beverage facilities were axed on these flights till 25 May “to minimize customer and cabin crew contact.” The airline is also withdrawing its Kia Ora inflight magazine and does not have lollies, it said in an official statement on its website.

The need to keep clean

The airline has stated that high-touch surfaces would be washed daily and that “additional measures” will be taken to assure that all of its planes, lounges and airports will be “to be washed throughout the day.” Hand sanitiser will also be available all through the airport terminal from service desks, kiosks to everyone in the plane (all passengers and employees in the terminal). The airline also reported that it supports customers to check-in for their flight using the Air New Zealand app.

The social distancing measures

At the airport, the carrier claimed that any second self-service kiosk will be available to help social distancing. There will also be floor signs for queuing at check-in counters, support desks, luggage drops and exit windows, and the airline has confirmed that fewer passengers will be boarded and disembarked at a time.

“It would be appreciated if customers could exercise a bit of patience as everyone gets used to this new way of travelling. We’d also advise allowing a little more time to navigate through the airport process and be mindful of social distancing requirements. Customers should not travel if they are unwell or have Covid-19 symptoms — flights can be changed free of charge if needed,” said Nikki Goodman general manager customer of experience in Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand has also released a YouTube video outlining the changes it has made to the air travel.