Porter Mandates Vaccinations, Testing For Staff

Porter Airlines’ new COVID-19 Vaccination Policy will require its team members to be fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the start of their shift.

The new policy aligns with Porter’s restart of service on Sept. 8, 2021 and is designed, the carriers says, “to support a safe and healthy workplace for employees and passengers.”

Following the federal government’s recent announcement of its intention to mandate vaccination for federally-regulated employers and workers, Porter has become the first Canadian airline committed to introducing these important safety measures, and notes that once specific requirements from the government are known, the policy may evolve.

Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines, said that: “We have a responsibility to ensure a safe workplace. With vaccines readily available for everyone in Canada and the U.S., and their proven effectiveness, requiring vaccination or regular testing is a critical measure to protect the health of our team members.”

And he added: “We are providing a testing option to ensure that personal circumstances are accommodated.”

In making the announcement, Porter pointed out that the airline industry has been critically impacted by the pandemic. Travel restrictions have only recently been modified after more than a year, based largely on vaccination rates. The effectiveness of vaccines is shown to be consistently at 95% or greater in reducing severe illness and death. They are also highly effective in protecting against infection.

Said Deluce: “This policy is another layer of reassurance for our passengers. In addition to our Healthy Flights program, now every team member passengers come in contact with will either be fully vaccinated or recently tested. Working and flying with Porter will be a safer experience for everyone.”

Porter also said that it supports the government’s plan to require full vaccination for all air travellers. The airline is resuming service to select Canadian destinations on Sept. 8.

Go to www.flyporter.com for more.