Porter Airlines has announced a new COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for all of its Employees. The airline says that this will support a safe and healthy workplace for employees and passengers.
Porter Airlines will restart services for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on 8th September 2021. From the same day, the airline will require all team members to be fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the start of their shift.
The Canadian federal government recently announced its intention to mandate vaccination for federally-regulated employers and workers. Porter states that it is the first Canadian airline committed to introducing these ‘important safety measures’. It adds that once specific requirements from the government are known, it may modify the policy.
Michael Deluce, President and CEO, Porter Airlines, said:
We have a responsibility to ensure a safe workplace. With vaccines readily available for everyone in Canada and the U.S., and their proven effectiveness, requiring vaccination or regular testing is a critical measure to protect the health of our team members. We are providing a testing option to ensure that personal circumstances are accommodated.
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As we all know, the airline industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. Travel restrictions have only recently been modified after more than a year, based largely on vaccination rates.
Deluce added:
This policy is another layer of reassurance for our passengers. In addition to our Healthy Flights program, now every team member passengers come in contact with will either be fully vaccinated or recently tested. Working and flying with Porter will be a safer experience for everyone.
The airline adds that it also supports the Canadian government’s plan to require full vaccination for all air travellers.
Meanwhile, Porter Airlines recently revealed plans to buy up to 80 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft for expansion in the North America.
Featured image by TripSavvy
What do you think of Porter Airlines’ decision to mandate COVID-19 testing or vaccination for all its Employees? Let me know in the comments section below.
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