Air NZ confirms investigation into staff travel

Air New Zealand confirms investigation into staff travel use

Air New Zealand today confirmed that it has commenced an investigation into an alleged breach of its staff travel policy.

The alleged breach relates to suggestions that staff travel privileges have been used in return for sexual favours. The issue was drawn to the company’s attention by a New Zealand magazine.

Group General Manager of Human Resources Vanessa Stoddart said Air New Zealand viewed the alleged breach of policy extremely seriously.

“Obviously this matter will be fully investigated before any conclusions are drawn by the company. Staff travel is a privilege and not a right. We make it clear to all employees when they join the company that there are strict rules governing the use of staff travel. One of these is that it is not to be used for commercial gain. Abuse of the staff travel privileges can result in these being withdrawn or ultimately dismissal of the employee concerned,” said Ms Stoddart.

“The magazine has only been able to provide Air New Zealand with the name of one staff member, who works in a non-management role.”

Air New Zealand’s staff travel programme has operated for several decades and has been well respected by staff over that time.

“Incidents of abuse of the staff travel programme are extremely rare. When they do occur, they are treated with the same degree of gravity as any other breach of company policy.”

The staff travel programme incurs no cost to Air New Zealand. Staff can only use seats that have not been booked by revenue paying passengers and must fly standby.

ENDS

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