Samoa Airways is rolling out a comprehensive drug and alcohol testing policy for all staff members. This is a bold and proactive step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of passengers and employees. 

In collaboration with the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS), the airline will initiate regular and thorough testing as part of a larger safety and compliance initiative.

Fauoo Taua Fatu Tielu, the Chief Executive Officer of Samoa Airways said the airline’s Board of Directors approved the recommendation to enforce drug testing for all employees. 

This decision comes in response to a requirement from Samoa Airways' partner airlines, which mandates that all staff must be free from alcohol and drugs when reporting for duty.

Given its role as the ground handler for major international carriers like Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Fiji Airways, Samoa Airways is acutely aware of the necessity to uphold a safe, drug-free environment to mitigate the risk of accidents and ensure optimal operational safety.

“Ensuring that our employees are free from alcohol and drugs is not just a matter of policy but of safety and responsibility,” Fauoo emphasised. “Given our critical role in supporting international carriers, it is essential that we uphold the highest standards of safety.”

To formalise this initiative, Samoa Airways has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with S.R.O.S., represented by Chief Executive Officer Fiso Pousui Dr. Fiame Leo. Under this partnership, S.R.O.S. will conduct essential drug and alcohol testing across the airline’s workforce, which will include random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, and pre-employment testing. 

Furthermore, employees involved in workplace accidents will also be tested, under the revised drug and alcohol policy tailored to the airline’s current operational scale.

This comprehensive policy applies to all personnel, encompassing airport staff, pilots, and management, and reinforcing the airline’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment at all levels. 

“With this policy in place, we are supporting the government’s efforts to eliminate the harmful effects of drugs in our communities. We are aware that our youth are often the primary targets for those engaged in the illegal drug trade, and through this initiative, Samoa Airways hopes to contribute positively to the fight against this growing problem,” Fauoo added.

This initiative not only prioritises the safety of passengers and staff but also demonstrates the airline’s commitment to addressing broader societal challenges related to drug abuse.