Air New Zealand gears up for trans-Tasman and Cook Islands travel

Air New Zealand is starting the process of recalling all of its A320 cabin crew who are currently on furlough, as the airline begins preparations for quarantine-free travel to Australia and Rarotonga in early 2021.

The 175 cabin crew members have been on furlough since June having chosen to stay connected to the airline rather than take redundancy.

Air New Zealand General Manager Cabin Crew Leeanne Langridge says it’s exciting to be able to offer these cabin crew a position back with the airline.

“We know these crew are really keen to get back on board, so it’s been heartwarming to make these phone calls before Christmas. Their uniforms are all ready to be collected and I’m sure many of them can’t wait to wear the koru again. These crew represent Air New Zealand so well and have missed being part of our customers’ journey.

“We’ve had incredible feedback from businesses all over the country about our cabin crew who have been volunteering and working in other industries while they have been on furlough. They will now undergo comprehensive refresher training before taking to the skies again.

“This is also great news for our airline and Aotearoa as we’re looking forward to reconnecting more New Zealanders with our Pacific and Australian neighbours.”