Etihad Airways becomes the first airline in the world to have all its onboard crew members vaccinated against the Coronavirus, and we’ve got all the details. By Bayar Jain
In an effort to ensure flight safety, Etihad Airways becomes the world’s first airline to have 100 per cent of its onboard crew vaccinated against COVID-19, states an official statement. Notably, 75 per cent of its entire workforce has reportedly been inoculated as well. With this, the United Arab Emirates’ flag carrier aims to curb the further spread of the virus and allow passengers to journey without worries.
As per the statement, Etihad Airways took steps in this direction last year itself. For this, the team reportedly collaborated with health authorities and facilitated access to its frontline staff for the country’s Emergency Use Programme. In doing so, the country’s flag carrier reportedly also became one of the first employers in the capital to clinch secure places for their frontline staff, including pilots and cabin crew members. Etihad also ensured that the Etihad Airways Medical Centre became an accredited COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
Speaking about this move, Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive officer of Etihad Aviation Group is quoted as saying, “We proactively made the vaccine available to all our employees to, not only help combat the effects of COVID-19 but to make travellers feel confident and reassured the next time they fly with us. We are the only airline in the world to make COVID-19 testing mandatory for every passenger and crew member before every flight and, now, we’re the first airline in the world with 100 per cent vaccinated crew on board.”
The statement notes that this achievement is a result of the airlines‘ ‘Protected Together’ employee vaccination initiative. Launched in January 2021, this drive builds on the country’s Choose to Vaccine campaign, an effort by the Department of Health to urge residents and citizens to take proactive measures for COVID-19 safety.
Etihad Airways is reportedly taking measures to further strengthen employee confidence as well. As per the release, the initiative—apart from providing vaccines—also connects staff with leading medical professionals via virtual talks. Reportedly, mobile clinics have also been set up to facilitate easy access to the vaccination and any vaccine-related information.
Related: #StepAhead: Etihad’s Inflight Wellness Ambassadors Will Ensure You Have A Safe Journey
