Fiji Airways is looking at a series of measures to protect the business, its people and customers.

This reassurance from the Fiji Airways Executive General Manager, Shared Business Services Gordon Penfold yesterday.

It comes in light after the first confirmed coronavirus victim was quarantined at the Lautoka Hospital.

Mr Penfold said: “We are looking at that whole series of measures within our business both to protect our people protect our customers and protect the integrity of the business and we will be in a position to make announcements over the next few days.

“We’ve certainly scaled back our flying.

“Actually we are looking at how we can contain the amount of flying we do, but we have also to think of a number of other factors.

“The first is the desire of our customers to return either to their place of origin or to their homes.

“In this situation we’re particularly concerned about Fijian guests who in many cases want to return to Fiji.

“And of course, our flying doesn’t simply cover our passenger business, we have a very strong cargo business and our cargo capacity is essential to be maintained in some dimensions in order to allow medical equipment for example to be brought to Fiji, to allow the continuing export of Fiji’s products.

“So those are the considerations we have around our flights.

“You can be assured that we take every conceivable measures necessary to protect both our staff, our customers, our business partners, and also the integrity of our business.”

In a statement sent earlier, Fiji Airways said: “In light of the current situation with revenue under enormous pressure, the airline has instituted a number of cost control measures.

“These include a freeze on recruitment, putting on hold future projects and capital works, and restrictions on duty travel. Fiji Airways will consider further cost-reduction actions as required.”

The airline added that it continues to work closely with the Fijian Health Ministry to enforce and further strengthen measures for the safety of guests, staff as well at its home base – Nadi Airport, which is Fiji’s gateway.

At a press conference, Mr Penfold said: “Fiji Airways can confirm that one of its flight attendants has tested positive to the coronavirus.”

He said the flight attendant’s travel history was to the United States and New Zealand.

“The flight attendant had undergone mandatory screening process conducted by the Health Ministry on each return to Fiji.

About the flight attendant

“The flight attendant reported to the Lautoka Hospital on the eve of March 17 and was tested on the coronavirus.

“Fiji Airways is grateful to the Lautoka Hospital and Ministry of Health for the assistance and treatment protocol now in place for the flight attendant and his immediate family.”

He said Fiji Airways refers the Ministry of Health’s advice on anyone who might have concerns about being in contact with the flight attendant.

“We have provided all the relevant details to the Health Ministry and we will offer every assistance required in this matter.”

He said Fiji Airways deeply regrets the situation and they are rendering assistance required to the Ministry of Health this includes information on guests who may have been in contact with the flight attendant, details of flights and details of other crews.

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