Facemasks will be mandatory for travel once international flights recommence - Andre Viljoen

Facemasks will be mandatory for travel for both Fiji Airways and Fiji Link customers once international flights recommence, and guests will need to have these prior to arriving at the airport for the issuance of boarding passes.

All customers will also need to keep their masks on wherever practical throughout their journey, except small children and those unable to do so.

Fiji Airways has today launched its “Travel Ready programme” outlining plans for a return to flying once border restrictions ease and travel demand returns.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, Andre Viljoen says all customer-facing staff will wear Personal Protective Equipment and this includes sales office, airport and lounge staff, as well as cabin crew.

He says the re-designed onboard service and experience will reduce contact between customers and crew while maintaining the uniquely warm Fiji Airways hospitality.

Viljoen says customers feeling unwell on their day of travel are strongly advised to not travel, and to re-book travel to a different day and unwell customers may be denied boarding at the airport.

He adds that all Fiji Airways and Fiji Link aircraft will undergo enhanced deep cleaning daily, which includes fogging and wiping all surfaces with specifically approved disinfectants, which are effective against a broad spectrum of micro-organisms.

Fiji Airways customers can expect enhanced health screenings, including temperature checks, physical distancing and spaced out counters will be practiced throughout most airports, and hand sanitisers will be available for use.

He says boarding will be done by seat-rows, starting from the rear of the aircraft for Fiji Airways and front of the aircraft for Fiji Link, to reduce contact between customers.

Business class customers will continue to enjoy three-course meals on board and simplified meal service for economy class will be delivered in special ‘Food for Thought’ packaging, which reduces contact between customers and crew.

Viljoen says this eco-friendly packaging is safe for disposal, and will save up to half a million litres of water a year and remove up to two tonnes of plastics annually from onboard.

He says the cabin crew and pilots will be trained specifically for flight operations in a COVID-19 travel world, including handling of medical issues onboard.