Covid-19 // 

For Te Anau Helicopter Services Limited the highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our customers, staff, suppliers, and community. The Covid-19 situation is ever-changing, and we are guided by our national authorities, including The Ministry of Health, to ensure that we provide the safest means of operating within the Covid-19 protection framework (traffic light system).

The Government has made the decision that from the 4th of April 2022, they will lift most mandates regarding the requirement to have a vaccine pass. After carrying out a risk assessment, we have decided that from the 4th of April we will no longer require passengers to present with a vaccine pass to be able to fly with our company.

Having said this, there will be some stipulations to consider so that we can maintain a healthy working environment for our staff and our clients.

• Any passenger that arrives at one of our bases who is presenting with any possible COVID-19 symptoms (or who a staff member believes may be sick), will be asked to undertake a negative RAT, at their own cost, before they are able to fly.
• If the person tests positive, then all of those in their party must also carry out a negative RAT at their own cost as well.
• If any passengers test positive, then they will not be able to fly. The office will endeavour to make all passengers aware of this policy before they arrive at the hangar so it is not thrust upon them. If anyone refuses to take a test and you feel strongly that they have concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to call Gaven, Jennie or Helen to get some advice on what to do.

All other COVID-19 precautions will stay in place. This includes:

• All staff and passengers will need to wear a facemask
• All staff and passengers will need to practice good hand hygiene (regular hand washing with soap and regular use of hand sanitiser)

Our COVID-19 operating procedures ensure:

• All operations have daily cleaning schedules in place which covers routine, end of day and weekly tasks.
• All ‘high-touch’ areas (counters, doorknobs, phones, keyboards and toilets) are routinely cleaned regularly at our bases.  
• Our aircraft are thoroughly sanitized pre and post flight. We use Anti-Bacterial Wipes for the sanitization.
• Hand sanitizer is available at check-in and on-board our aircraft. 
• Spatial distancing in aircraft to ensure we remain in-line with official recommendations for physical and social distancing. 
• Ventilation is considered at each location and within our operations. 

Further Initiatives include:

• We have displayed signage to remind customers and staff of the vigilance around thorough hand washing (20 seconds minimum).
• Regular communication with staff to ensure they are up to date with our guidelines.
• We have hand sanitizer available at our operations.
• Asking any staff or customers who are feeling unwell to please stay at home and seek medical advice via Healthline or their GP.
• We have implemented a cancellation fee free policy for any customers who are unable to travel with us if they are feeling unwell.

Our Covid-19 Conditions + Cancellation Policy
If you cannot travel because you are directly impacted by Covid-19 you will be offered the option to reschedule your booking or receive a full refund.

If we are required to move alert levels and reduce capacity or stop operating, you will be contacted by our team to organize a reschedule or refund.
​