Travelling with Air Chathams is going to look a little different from mid-December as they advise customers of their new COVID-19 travel requirements.
In line with other airlines in New Zealand, Air Chathams will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for all travellers using their service. This policy will be introduced as soon as New Zealand moves to the new COVID-19 protection framework.
The company says customers will be expected to travel with a physical or digital copy of their COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates (CVCs). If customers do not have a CVC they must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test from at least 72 hours prior to departure. Air Chathams says they recognise that passengers departing the Chatham Islands may have difficulty in ascertaining proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours due to the isolation of the Chathams. For these circumstances only, Air Chathams will accept proof of a negative COVID-19 test from 7 days prior to departure.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a committed team that have assisted us through this very difficult time,” says Air Chathams CEO Craig Emeny. “100% of our permanent staff have had at least one dose of the Pfizer Biontech vaccine and our family business is tracking to have a fully vaccinated workforce very soon.”
Mr Emeny says Air Chathams primary focus now is on the recovery of their North Island regional services.
“Tied to that is the need to keep our customers safe on Air Chathams flights and take all necessary steps to ensure the continuity of those services irrespective of regional alert level settings.”
Air Chathams will have updates and information available on their website regarding implementation timelines and COVID-19 requirements for travel using their services.
