The WestJet Group announced an evolution of its Safety Above All program to include a mandatory vaccination policy for all air travellers, as well as all of its employees, effective 30OCT.
The new policy falls in line with a new mandate from the Canadian government, which, as reported by OpenJaw, announced a vaccination mandate for air travel by the end of the month.
"The implementation of these policies mark a major confidence milestone for our industry as Canadians can fly knowing that they are travelling within a fully-vaccinated ecosystem," said Ed Sims, WestJet Group, President and CEO. "We are taking all necessary steps to ensure our guests are advised of the new requirements for travel prior to taking their next flight."
According to a press release, WestJet's vaccination mandate will be implemented in a two-phase process, which will also apply to the company's low-cost carrier Swoop.
For Phase I, for travel between 30OCT and 29NOV 2021, in order to travel with the WestJet Group, guests must prepare to provide proof of vaccination or proof of a valid PCR test to demonstrate the requirements for travel.
For Phase II, for travel on or after 30NOV 2021, only proof of vaccination for guests 12 years or older, with limited exceptions, will be acceptable for travel on the WestJet Group.
"As we transition to a fully vaccinated company and Canadian airline industry, we will continue to advocate for the recalibration of travel guidance and policies that were implemented prior to the widespread availability of vaccines," continued Sims.
More information on exemptions can be found on the Canadian government's travel site.
Effective 30OCT, WestJet and Swoop will also begin a transition to fully vaccinated airlines with the implementation of the company's mandatory employee vaccination policy.
All WestJet Group employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and full vaccination status is a requirement of employment for all future employees hired by the WestJet Group. According to the company, employees who fail to achieve full vaccination status by 30OCT 2021 face unpaid leave and termination of employment.
As for the government's latest announcement regarding vaccine passports, the WestJet Group says it welcomes the news and is awaiting additional details on timelines, nationwide availability and global acceptance.
For more information on WestJet, visit its web site.
