By AINSLEY THOMSON and NZPA
The Air New Zealand cabin crew robbed in a hotel in Fiji had large cane knives held to their faces and were told they would be killed if they did not hand over their money.
One of the cabin crew described to the Herald yesterday the
terrifying experience of the robbery at the Tanoa Hotel in Nadi on Monday.
The person, who does not wish to be named, said there was a loud bang at 3am and then seven balaclava-clad robbers came rushing into the hotel's foyer where the crew for flight NZ55 to Auckland were checking out.
The robbers, who were waving around Machete-like cane knives, ordered the hotel staff to lie on the ground and the flight crew to sit in chairs.
"It seemed like they were military men because they were so organised and calm."
The crew member said each of the robbers had a specific task - either robbing the till, the safe or the crew.
The robbers were interested only in Fiji currency and left behind other cash and valuables.
None of the Air New Zealand crew was hurt, but the robbers hit a bus driver on the leg with a beer bottle.
He was limping and in pain, but still drove the crew to the airport.
The local victims of the robbery were embarrassed that the Air NZ staff had become tangled up in the robbery and were very apologetic.
The crew worked the flight back to NZ, which left one hour later than scheduled.
"We just wanted to go home to be with our families."
The crew member said the support Air New Zealand had given the crew since the robbery was great, and they had been offered counselling if needed.
Air NZ spokesman Richard Becht said security staff were in Fiji to review the hotel's security.
He said it was believed to be an isolated event. "The issue with which we are concerning ourselves at this time is the welfare of the cabin crew involved.
"Everybody behaved in a very professional manner and very responsibly, and we are offering counselling and any support necessary before they make their next tour of duty," he said.
The Flight Attendants and Related Services Association said some of the crew had decided to take stress leave.
Union organiser Billy Boreham said the union had a number of concerns about safety, but was awaiting the airline's response about how it would ensure security for crews in Nadi in future.
"It may be all our concerns are allayed, or it may lead to some criticism or identify ways in which we can work with the airline to improve security," he said.
"We all have the same interest in this."
The present world climate had highlighted the need for increased security for airline staff, said Mr Boreham.
"It hasn't been a bloody good year for airlines.
"I don't really need to spell out the reasons why."
Mr Boreham said Air New Zealand might need to beef up security at certain hotels or consider alternative accommodation for flight crews.
He said it was debatable whether the crew of flight NZ55 should have flown at all after the robbery.
* In 1987, Nadi was the scene of Air NZ's only aircraft hijacking. A Boeing 747 was seized by a man upset at the just-staged military coup led by Sitiveni Rabuka.
The hijacker was disarmed by a flight crew member who hit him over the head with a bottle of whisky.
The hijacker later became a member of Parliament and was held hostage during George Speight's attempted coup in 2000.
By AINSLEY THOMSON and NZPA
The Air New Zealand cabin crew robbed in a hotel in Fiji had large cane knives held to their faces and were told they would be killed if they did not hand over their money.
One of the cabin crew described to the Herald yesterday the
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.