Eastland Group supports Air NZ Covid initiative

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

GISBORNE airport operator Eastland Group is backing Air New Zealand's decision that from mid-December, its domestic passengers must be fully vaccinated or produce a negative Covid test.

Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said the change announced yesterday was about reducing the spread of Covid-19 ahead of what was expected to be a busy summer, as Kiwis reconnected with friends and whanau.

“Delta has really upped the stakes,” he said.

“What once kept us safe is no longer enough and we need an extra layer of protection. That's why we're taking a step further to keep our customers safe while allowing all Kiwis to fly.”

Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd said that as a responsible operator of Gisborne Airport, the group supported such an initiative.

The airline aims to have the change in place by December 14 for an initial period until March 31.

It will apply to all passengers aged 12 or older travelling on an Air NZ aircraft within New Zealand.

All vaccines and tests approved by the New Zealand Government will be accepted.

“For the most seamless experience, we're encouraging customers to download our Air New Zealand mobile app to make it as easy as possible to connect their vaccination status in the Government's My Vaccine Pass with booking details, which will allow check-in.”

Those not fully vaccinated will be able to provide evidence of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours before departure — from either free community testing or their GP.

Mr Foran said the change followed overwhelming feedback from customers and employees calling for more protection during travel.