atst wrote: ↑Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:45 am At Air New Zealand, we're getting ready for the return of international travel, and we hope you are too. Our reasons for getting back up in the air might be different, but we can all agree there's something magical about dusting off a passport, feeling foreign currency in your pocket, and jetlag, glorious jetlag.

I'm looking forward to that screech of aircraft tyres as we land in New York for the first time. Seeing the sun catch the Pacific Ocean as we leave New Zealand waters for somewhere else. Hearing the words "have a great flight".

Our airline hasn't been sitting on our hands during the pandemic. Every part of Air New Zealand is preparing for the day when borders re-open.

From how we keep you comfortable, to the food you eat, we’ve been testing new ideas and products. We’ll go the extra mile to ensure every journey together is a safe and enjoyable one.

As the pathways to the world re-open, we've been looking at how we can keep you and New Zealand safe. That's why from 1 February next year, we'll be asking all international travellers aged 18 and over, arriving or departing Aotearoa, to be fully vaccinated before they board our aircraft.

It looks like proof of vaccination and pre-departure testing are going to be a part of flying for a while yet. Increasingly, the places Kiwis like to fly to will be closed to unvaccinated visitors, and we’re working on ways to streamline the travel process for you.

In the meantime, every action that we all take – be it getting vaccinated, tested or masking up – is a step towards opening back up to the world. We may not quite be there yet, but we’re well on our way.

Whether you're at home or abroad – I want to thank you. For everything you've done to keep our community safe and for your loyalty to Air New Zealand.