Air New Zealand has announced an updated vaccine policy for its employees that had previously been mandated for covid vaccinations, including pilots. In essence, Air NZ has removed its vaccine mandate.

The company notes that this updated policy does not cover employees that are covered by the Government’s Mandatory Vaccination Order, or those that are affected by mandates required by other companies, such as that of Auckland Airport.

This updated policy took place from yesterday 2nd May 2022.

Natural immunity is now accepted in place of having had covid injections, as long as the individual is able to provide  proof of having had a covid infection. This means showing documentary evidence of a PCR test, supervised RAT, or antibody blood serology test.

The Daily Examiner has been informed that those who have not had covid or the 2-dose jabs, may have a personalised risk assessment check with the company doctor to make sure they are not at risk of an ‘adverse outcome’ (hospitalization or death etc.) from having a covid infection.

Air NZ has noted that Auckland Airport is in the process of reviewing its vaccination requirements for airline employees.

This will mean that most pilots & other Air NZ employees that have either been on unpaid or other leave since the start of the mandates, will likely be able to return to work in their previous capacities in the very near future. With the reopening of NZ’s international borders to most countries, this will be a welcome step forward toward some operational normality for the national airline.

Image source here.