This was published 2 years ago
Air New Zealand to turn Boeing 787 Dreamliner into vaccination clinic
By Siobhan Downes
Air New Zealand will turn a Boeing 787 Dreamliner into a vaccination clinic this Saturday.
Kiwis who've dreamed of sitting in business class are about to be given a shot.
Air New Zealand will be transforming one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets into a vaccine clinic on Saturday, the national vaccination day when the New Zealand government hopes to vaccinate as many Kiwis as possible.
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins teased some plans for the day being dubbed "Super Saturday" during a press conference on Wednesday, including the national airline's involvement.
Guests will get vaccinated in business class before going back to economy for their wait time.
The Dreamliner-turned-vaccine clinic will be located at Auckland Airport.
"I'm told people will be vaccinated in business class before waiting out their time in economy class with snacks provided," he said.
Air New Zealand later confirmed the Dreamliner 'Jabaseat' will join Super Saturday.
"We know Aucklanders have been doing it tough recently and we hope the idea of boarding an international aircraft for the first time in a long while will lift some spirits – while also encouraging people to protect themselves," said Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan.
Other initiatives included vaccination campervans heading up and down the country, and the Department of Conservation using its four-wheel drives and boats to distribute the jab to people in remote areas.
This month Air New Zealand announced it was introducing a "no jab, no fly" policy for international travel. The policy, which would require all inbound and outbound passengers aged 18 and over to be fully vaccinated, would come into effect on February 1.
The airline has said it is reviewing whether the same policy would be rolled out to domestic flights.
See also: Fiji to open to Australian tourists after hitting vaccination target
See also: Do you need to be vaccinated? Comparing each airlines' new travel rules
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