Category Archives: Fiji Airways

Introducing oneworld connect – a new way for airlines to link to the world’s premier alliance – Fiji Airways to be first oneworld connect partner

Oneworld® has launched a new platform for linking up to the world’s premier airline alliance – enabling customers to enjoy more services and benefits across an even more extensive global network.

The first airline to join in the new capacity as a oneworld connect partner will be Fiji Airways.

A date will be announced in due course for when Fiji Airways will start offering oneworld connect services and benefits (see below).

oneworld connect is the first new membership platform unveiled by oneworld since the alliance was originally announced 20 years ago.

Introducing oneworld connect – a new way for airlines to link to the world’s premier alliance (PRNewsfoto/Fiji Airways)

oneworld is in discussion with other carriers interested in participating in the program, from various parts of the world including the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Each oneworld connect partner will need to have a minimum of three oneworld members as its sponsors to be initiated into the program. The initial oneworld sponsors of Fiji Airways will be all four of oneworld’s original founding members – American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas. The Australian carrier will additionally mentor Fiji Airways through its oneworld connect implementation process.

American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas already code-share and have frequent flyer links with Fiji Airways. British Airways and Fiji Airways are currently discussing areas for potential bilateral cooperation.

What oneworld connect means for customers

oneworld connect partners will provide select alliance benefits to frequent flyers from any oneworld member airline travelling on their flights, with a more extensive range of benefits offered with their oneworld sponsors.

Customers with Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby status in any oneworld member airline’s frequent flyer program will be able to use priority check-in desks, where available. Also, customers with Emerald or Sapphire status will be offered priority boarding.

The additional benefits offered by oneworld connect partners to customers from their oneworld sponsors and vice versa include:

Through check-in of passengers and their baggage for journeys including connections between a connect carrier and any of its oneworld sponsors.
The ability to earn and redeem frequent flyer rewards, and earn frequent flyer status points, for eligible flights. (For customers from oneworld connectairlines, these benefits depend on the oneworld connect partner offering a frequent flyer programme.)
Access to select lounges at key airports for First or Business Class passengers or those with eligible top-tier frequent flyer status.

Select other customer benefits may also be offered between oneworld connectpartners and their oneworld sponsor airlines.

All oneworld connect partners will make their networks available via Global Explorer, the round-the-world fare offered by all oneworld members and select other airlines. Fiji Airways already does so.

All oneworld connect partners will be required to maintain IATA IOSA safety certification.

oneworld’s regular range of services and benefits remain in place for customers flying with the alliance’s full member airlines and their affiliates.

CEOs explain oneworld connect’s strategic rationale

oneworld Governing Board Chairman Pekka Vauramo, CEO of Finnair, said: “In the 20 years since oneworld’s conception in 1998, global airline alliances have expanded their breadth to the extent that they now account for 60 per cent of total industry revenues and capacity globally, and 70 per cent of revenues between the world’s top 125 business city airports.

“With most of the world’s biggest airlines already signed up, global airline alliances have reached maturity, In the future, oneworld will target as full members large airlines that have a significant presence in the alliance’s prime target market, providing connections between the world’s leading business centres. Meantime, oneworld connect enables us to bring together more airlines to complement the alliance’s global leaders, so customers can earn rewards and feel recognised while travelling even further.”

oneworld CEO Rob Gurney added: “oneworld’s current network of more than 1,000 destinations in 150 plus territories offers far-reaching global coverage, but there are still some regions where we would like to strengthen our presence further. With fewer potential new candidates available to recruit based on our established membership criteria, oneworld connect enables us to link up with other airlines whose networks are relevant to a subset of our members, who cannot meet oneworld’s full membership requirements at this stage or who are not interested in full membership at present.

“This enables us and them to offer our customers more services and benefits across an even wider network and strengthen our relationship going forward, with a streamlined and rapid path to full membership later on where it makes sense for all parties.”

Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen stated: “Fiji Airways is thrilled and honoured to be the first oneworld connect partner globally. We are delighted to link Fiji, and the South Pacific to the world’s premier airline alliance and further deepen our relationships in particular with Qantas, American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific. This important step for our airline enables us to offer more services and benefits to our own customers along with the others in the oneworld family, to achieve a greater presence for our airline internationally and to build on the in-bound tourism that is so vital to our home nation and our region.”

QANTAS Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “As a oneworld founding member, it is great to see the alliance evolve to bring additional benefits to more customers and expand its joint network. We’ve worked closely with Fiji Airways for many years and are pleased to serve as its mentor as it comes on board as the first oneworld connectpartner.”

American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker added: “As another oneworld founding member, American Airlines is excited to be playing our part in this latest key development for what has become the world’s premier airline alliance, now making access to the South Pacific more attractive than ever.”

British Airways Chairman and CEO Alex Cruz stated: “British Airways looks forward to developing links with Fiji Airways as a oneworld connect partner and sponsor, for the benefit of both our airlines, our customers and the wider oneworld community.”

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hogg concluded: “Cathay Pacific was proud to play our part in founding oneworld 20 years ago and establishing it as the leading quality alliance – and we are proud today to be playing our part again in getting this exciting new membership platform oneworld connect off the ground, as a sponsor of our long-term code-share partner Fiji Airways.”

Copyright Photo: Fiji Airways (2nd) Airbus A330-243 DQ-FJV (msn 1465) (COP23 Fiji – UN Climate Change Conference) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 942224.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

Singapore Airlines and SilkAir to codeshare with Fiji Airways

Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Fiji Airways have announced the signing of a codeshare agreement that will provide more convenient connections for customers travelling to Fiji from 10 destinations in Asia and Europe through the Singapore hub.

Under the agreement, Singapore Airlines and SilkAir customers can access Fiji Airways’ nonstop flights between Singapore and Nadi, including the airline’s third weekly seasonal service that was launched on April 4, 2018. Customers can also travel on codeshare flights between Nadi and three domestic destinations, including the Fijian capital Suva, Labasa, and Savusavu.

In turn, Fiji Airways customers will be able to access Singapore Airlines and SilkAir-operated flights to destinations in, China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

The codeshare flights are subject to regulatory approvals.

Top Copyright Photo: SilkAir Boeing 737-8SA WL 9V-MGN (msn 44230) BFI (Steve Bailey). Image: 929664.

SilkAir aircraft slide show:

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Fiji Airways (2nd) Boeing 737-8X2 WL DQ-FJH (msn 29969) SYD (Keith Burton). Image: 926459.

Fiji Airways Group announces a record profit for 2017

Fiji Airways Group has announced its highest ever profit before tax of F$95.8 million for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2017, a 13.4% increase over the previous financial year. The Group (legally known as Air Pacific Limited) comprises of Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline; its subsidiaries Fiji Link & Pacific Call Comm. Ltd; plus a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island. The announcement was made at the airline’s Head Office in Nadi by the Fijian Attorney General and Minister responsible for Civil Aviation, the Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Results Highlights :

· Group revenue was F$929 million compared to F$825.3 million for the previous year ended 31st December 2016 (up by 12.5%)

· Group profit before tax was F$95.8 million compared to F$84.5 million for the previous year ended 31st December 2016

· The Group carried 1.6 million passengers compared to 1.4 million for the previous year ended 31st December 2016 (up by 14.3%)

· Profit-share for non-management staff and minimum bonus for management increased by 10% compared to the previous year.

Based on the PwC audited financial statements for 2017, the Group has announced the following profit-share and management-bonus arrangements:

· Eligible non-management staff of Fiji Airways and Fiji Link will each receive a profit-share payout of F$4,400*

· Eligible Fiji Airways and Fiji Link managers will each receive a management bonus of no less than $9,900*

This is in addition to quarterly bonuses of up to $1,200 per year that non-management staff of Fiji Airways and Fiji Link already stand to earn for achieving key objectives.

In 2017, 86% of the airline’s 1,384 staff completed Phase 1 of the UP! Your Service culture-building programme designed by world renowned service expert Ron Kaufman. This resulted in Fiji Airways reducing customer complaints by 66% while increasing compliments by 22% compared to the previous year; as Fiji Link increased compliments by 74%. 183 staff were recognised for ‘Stepping UP’ for customers or colleagues and were awarded Bronze Stars, while four staff were awarded the coveted Silver Star.

The airline achieved a number of other major milestones in 2017. These include:

· Concluding a landmark, highly beneficial deal for the acquisition of five brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to replace the aging Boeing 737 NG aircraft. The first and second B737 MAX 8 aircraft will be delivered in November and December 2018 respectively

· Opening of the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge, a world class Business Class Lounge at Nadi International Airport, which has been extremely popular with guests (having a 2018 Net Promoter Score of 86)

· Launching twice-weekly services to Adelaide, Australia, and increasing seasonal frequencies to Singapore and San Francisco (now an year-round service)

· Announcing, and commencing sale of, direct flights between Nadi and Tokyo-Narita beginning July 3 2018.

· Launching the revolutionary Resort Check-In product, allowing guests to check in for their flights from the Sofitel Resort and Spa on Denarau Island.

· Upgrading the Premier and Priority Check-in counters at Nadi International Airport, and progressively rolling out Kiosk Check-In at various airports

· Signing a number of codeshare agreements to increase the total number of destinations on the network to 106 by the end of 2017. New codeshare agreements were signed with Jet Airways, Hong Kong Airlines and Solomon Airlines while codeshare agreements with Qantas and Cathay Pacific were extended

· Completing the Hay Job Grading and Remuneration System as a Job Evaluation Exercise, resulting in 460 staff (65 % of those eligible for review) getting pay increases based on market rates

· Finalising the selection of two CAE Full Flight Simulators (for the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Airbus A330 aircraft) for the Fiji Aviation Academy, and starting construction on the Academy site at Namaka, Nadi

· Embarking on an evaluation campaign to select a wide-body jet aircraft type to augment and/or replace existing Airbus A330 fleet

· Finalising a deal with Viking Air Ltd for three brand new DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft and completing entry into service for all aircraft within eight months

· Launching the Bula Bid “Upgrade Now” system allowing customers to bid online for a Business Class upgrade, and prior seat selection

· Having Inflight Magazine ‘FijiTime’ being recognised by World Travel Awards as Australasia’s Leading Inflight Magazine and celebrating the recognition of Fiji Airways by APEX as a 4-Star Major Regional Airline

· Introducing a dedicated Premier Service Team to look after VIP Customers and Tabua Club Members travelling in Business Class

· Contributing to numerous environmental and conservation initiatives, including planting over 5,000 trees as part of the ‘Every Takeoff…One Tree’ initiative, and supporting Fiji’s Presidency of the COP 23 Forum.

· Announcing the largest corporate sponsorship in the history of Fijian sport with a major naming rights sponsorship of all Fiji Rugby representative teams.

* Subject to tax and superannuation deductions as required

Top Photo: Fiji Airways.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Fiji Airways (2nd) Boeing 737-86J WL DQ-FJM (msn 37754) NAN (Rob Finlayson). Image: 934635.

Fiji Airways Group announces a record F$95.8M profit for 2017

The Fiji Airways Group has announced its highest ever profit before tax of F$95.8 million for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2017, a 13.4% increase over the previous financial year. The Group (legally known as Air Pacific Limited) comprises of Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline; its subsidiaries Fiji Link and Pacific Call Comm. Ltd; plus a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island. The announcement was made at the airline’s Head Office in Nadi by the Fijian Attorney General and Minister responsible for Civil Aviation, the Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Results Highlights:

Group revenue was F$929 million compared to F$825.3 million for the previous year ended December 31, 2016 (up by 12.5%)
Group profit before tax was F$95.8 million compared to F$84.5 million for the previous year ended December 31, 2016
The Group carried 1.6 million passengers compared to 1.4 million for the previous year ended December 31, 2016 (up by 14.3%)
Profit-share for non-management staff and minimum bonus for management increased by 10% compared to the previous year.

Mr. Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, said: “To achieve a fourth year of successive record profits is a massive achievement by the entire team of the Fiji Airways Group. I couldn’t be more proud of the way the team surpassed all key metrics for revenue, passenger and network growth, efficiently navigating through a challenging operating period in which cost control was crucial. 2017 saw the achievement of numerous milestones for the Group. The team increased the size of the fleet, launched a new route, increased frequencies on key long-haul routes and opened a world class lounge at our home airport – Nadi.”

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

Fiji Airways and Alaska Airlines expand their partnership with a codeshare agreement

Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline, and Alaska Airlines have expanded their current partnership by signing a codeshare agreement on flights from San Francisco to two popular US cities. The codeshare agreement enables Fiji Airways to place its “FJ” code on Alaska Airlines’ flights from SFO to Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX), offering Fiji Airways guests seamless connections to these cities via San Francisco, and vice-versa for Alaska Airlines’ guests. The codeshare flights will be available for sale from March 5, 2018.

Both airlines have an existing frequent flyer partnership, where members of Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan program earn and redeem miles for travel on “FJ” flight numbers.

Fiji Airways operates directly from Nadi (Fiji) to San Francisco on Thursday and Sunday all year-round (with three flights a week in January, June, July, August and December). Fiji Airways also flies daily between Nadi and Los Angeles, and three times a week between Nadi and Honolulu. The airline now has 11 codeshare agreements with partner airlines around the world.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

Fiji Airways to fly to Tokyo (Narita)

Fiji Airways has announced on social media it will fly again to Tokyo (Narita) starting on July 3, 2018 with three weekly flights:

Bula Japan! From July 3, 2018, we’ll be flying direct 3 times a week to Narita in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The company, then as Air Pacific, last flew to Japan in 2009.

Top Copyright Photo: Fiji Airways (2nd) Airbus A330-343 DQ-FJW (msn 1692) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 931630.

Fiji Link adds its first Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otter

Fiji Link is acquiring three Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otters. The new type will replace two older DHC-6-300 Twin Otters.

The Series 400 Twin Otters are scheduled for delivery between October 2017 and February 2018, and will be added to Fiji Airways’ existing fleet of three legacy Twin Otter aircraft based at Nadi International Airport. Fiji Airways has been operating Twin Otter aircraft for over ten years.

Fiji Link has taken delivery of the first DHC-6-400. The aircraft arrived in Fiji on October 30, 2017.

Photo: Fiji Airways.

Fiji Link:

Fiji Airways to purchase three new Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otters for Fiji Link

Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline, has announced plans to expand and upgrade Fiji Link’s Twin Otter fleet, allowing for increased frequencies to key domestic routes like Savusavu and Taveuni. The airline will purchase three brand new latest model DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otters from manufacturer Viking Air Ltd, to replace two of its existing three Series 300 aircraft (below). This will increase the Twin Otter fleet to four aircraft.

Above Copyright Photo: Fiji Link de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter DQ-PSE (msn 406) NAN (Rob Finlayson). Image: 934640.

Arriving in October 2017 and early 2018, the three new Twin Otter aircraft will have air-conditioned cabins for increased customer comfort. Their state of the art digital avionics systems and operating features will greatly enhance operational reliability and an easier transition for Fiji Link pilots to progress onto the ATR fleet. The impending fleet expansion has already initiated the recruitment and training of additional local pilots, resulting in more employment opportunities for Fijians.

The ever-versatile Twin Otter remains the aircraft of choice for Fiji Link’s domestic operations into smaller airports with short airstrips, and where airport and runway infrastructure is limited. It has the ability to land on most runway surfaces given its size, weight, and take-off and landing requirements. It has proven especially reliable in the Fijian domestic operating environment, with Fiji Link having over ten years of experience operating this aircraft type. Fiji Link also has the option to purchase a fourth brand new Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft. A decision on exercising this option will be made in 2018.

Fiji Link:

Fiji Airways:

Route Map:

Fiji Airways arrives in San Francisco

Fiji Airways Inaugural Flight Lands at SFO (PRNewsFoto/Fiji Airways)

Fiji Airways’ new Airbus A330-200 aircraft landed at San Francisco (SFO) on June 16 and took off for the first time that night, marking the start of the airline’s new seasonal nonstop service from San Francisco (SFO) to Fiji.

Fiji’s National Carrier will offer twice-weekly nonstop services from San Francisco to Nadi, Fiji until August 14th, 2016 and again during the holidays, in December 2016 and January 2017. The flights will operate from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Fiji (NAN) on Thursdays and Sundays.

Photo: Fiji Airways.

Fiji Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A330-300

Fiji A330-300 DQ-FJW arrives in Nadi (Fiji)(LR)

Fiji Airways (Nadi) on December 29 brought to Fiji its newest fleet addition. Airbus A330-343 DQ-FJW (msn 1692) is the first A330-300 for the flag carrier.

The new A330-300, the largest in the fleet, has 289 seats in Economy and 24 in Business Class. The new plane features enhanced mood lighting, increased cargo space and a Quiet Zone in Economy Class. Other product features and configuration match the current 200-series fleet.

It will be deployed largely on the airline’s busy long haul routes of Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

Photo: Fiji Airways. 200 tefui’s were joined to make a giant garland for the new A330-300. According to the airline, “Rapturous applause and excitement greeted the aircraft as it touched down at Nadi International Airport and taxied up to the airline’s Hangar facilities. Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and other Government Ministers joined Fiji Airways staff to welcome the aircraft.

A traditional Rotuman ceremony of welcome was accorded to His Excellency the President, who stepped off the A330 as its first official guest. The aircraft has been christened ‘Island of Rotuma’, following Fiji Airways’ naming convention for its fleet after Fiji’s islands.”

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show: