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Fiji Airways Reveals ‘Travel Ready’ Program for International Flight Resumptions

A Fiji Airways A330 landing at LAX. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Fiji, an island in the heart of the South Pacific, is known for its rugged landscapes, palm tree-lined beaches and crystal-clear coral reefs. Fiji Airways, its national airline, has unveiled its plan for a return to flying once border restrictions ease, in order to welcome tourists back to the gorgeous island.

The airline’s “Travel Ready” program details guidelines for safeguarding the health and safety of passengers and crew. In addition, there will be a new onboard position of medically qualified “Customer Wellness Champion,” who is responsible for promoting wellness and managing customer medical safety during cabin interactions and on the ground.

Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO Andre Viljoen describes the airline’s efforts better prepare the airline for welcoming passengers back onboard its international flights.

 “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 Organization, [International Air Transport Association] and [International Civil Aviation Organization] to draw up enhanced safeguards for our guests and staff when we resume international flights,” Viljoen said. 

Like many other airlines around the world, facemasks will continue to be mandatory when flying onboard the Nadi, Fiji-based carrier, even when international flights recommence. The airline has also redesigned the airport and onboard experience between passengers and crew while still being able to maintain the uniquely, warm Fijian hospitality. 

All of the airport and lounge staff will wear personal protective equipment to reduce contact with others and limit the spread of bacteria. In addition, also passengers can experience parts of the “Travel Ready” program even before takeoff including enhanced health screenings, spaced-out check-in counters and hand sanitizer available for use.

Finally, passengers should expect lavatories to be sanitized more often in-flight, and while meal service in business class will be served in three courses, it’ll be on a single tray. Meal service in economy class will be delivered in special packaging to reduce contact between passengers and crew.

“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,” Viljoen added. 

“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.”

Benjamin Pham

Author

  • Benjamin Pham

    Benjamin has had a love for aviation since a young age, growing up in Tampa with a strong interest in airplane models and playing with them. When he moved to the Washington, D.C. area, Benjamin took part in aviation photography for a couple of years at Gravelly Point and Dulles Airport, before dedicating planespotting to only when he traveled to the other airports. He is an avid, world traveler, having been able to reach 32 countries, yearning to explore and understand more cultures soon. Currently, Benjamin is an Air Transporation Management student at Arizona State University. He hopes to enter the airline industry to improve the passenger experience and loyalty programs while keeping up to how technology is being integrated into airports.

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