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Virgin Australia starting consultation with staff, unions on COVID-19 vaccination mandate
August 30th 2021
Virgin Australia (VA) today proposed a COVID-19 vaccination mandate that asks all frontline staff to be inoculated by November 15, with all other staff required to be fully vaccinated by March 31, next year. Read More » The Australian carrier will soon commence consultation with unions and staff groups about the mandate. "It is clear vaccination is the only way back to normal freedom of movement and the richness in life that comes from spending meaningful, in person time with family, friends and colleagues," VA CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, said. “The majority of our team at Virgin Australia are vaccinated and we will be listening to our team members to ensure we find the best fit policy for our organization. Employees with medical issues that could be substantiated will be managed on a case-by-case basis, the carrier said. VA said a staff survey showed 75% of frontline employees had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine with another 9% registered for vaccination. For office staff, the airline said 56% have had at least one dose, with another 27% registered for vaccination.
Separately, VA announced it will add nine more 737-800s to its fleet ahead of an anticipated busy Australian summer season. All nine aircraft will be flying by next February, lifting the carrier's fleet to 77 aircraft: two 737-700s and 75 737-800s. Currently, VA has 68 aircraft. "With this extra fleet capacity, we will be well positioned to reach our target share of 33% of the domestic market and service the destinations our customers want with the frequency they expect,” Hrdlicka said.
