Category Archives: Fiji Link

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.

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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.

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Fiji Airways Group’s operating profit jumps to $9.3 million for the first half

Fiji Airways Group (Fiji Airways and Fiji Link) (Suva, Fiji) reported its unaudited interim results for the first half of 2014, announcing a massive increase in operating profits compared with the corresponding period last year. The Group, legally known as Air Pacific Limited, comprises of Fiji Airways (Fiji’s National Airline), its subsidiary Fiji Link and a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island. The Group recorded an underlying operating profit of $17.2 million FJD ($9.3 million US) from January 1 to June 30, 2014.

Stefan Pichler, Managing Director and CEO attributed the strong performance to higher load factors, more efficient cost management, streamlined management structures and a highly motivated staff.

Fiji Airways’ load factor increased by 10 percent in the first six months.

Fiji Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Fiji Link is launched with the delivery of its first ATR 72-600

Fiji Link (subsidiary of Fiji Airways, formerly Pacific Sun) (Suva, Fiji) was officially launched with the delivery of the pictured 68-seat ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) DQ-FJZ (msn 1146) on May 31. The new type was due to arrive in Fiji today. This delivery also starts the rebranding of Pacific Sun as Fiji Link.

ATR issued this statement:

Fiji Link took delivery of its first brand new ATR 72-600 on operating lease from Singapore-based aircraft leasing company Avation PLC. The acquisition of the new ATR is as part of airline’s dynamic expansion plan to support network growth on its domestic and regional routes in the Pacific Islands, which it today operates on behalf of Fiji Airways.

The larger capacity, 68-seat ATR 72-600 of the new generation will allow the Fiji Airways Group to enhance connectivity over Fiji’s larger domestic ports Nadi, Suva and Labasa, while boosting frequency of flights to other Pacific island destinations.

The new aircraft will be based at Suva Airport where Fiji Link is about to start its first full program of flying to Fiji’ existing domestic and regional destinations while commencing flights on a new route Suva-Apia.

The ATR-600 series aircraft will provide Fiji Link with the vital reduced operating and maintenance costs optimizing and reinforcing to maximum its airline’s economics.

A second ATR 72-600 is due in November and December 2014 which will allow the airline to retire its two ATR 42-500s.

Copyright Photo: Ariel Shocron/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) F-WWEK became DQ-FJZ on delivery.

Pacific Sun to become Fiji Link in 2014

Fiji Airways (2nd) (formerly Air Pacific) (Nadi, Fiji) has announced that its subsidiary airline, Pacific Sun, will be rebranded as Fiji Link in 2014, and unveiled the carrier’s new livery.

FijiLink

Pacific Sun, Fiji’s main domestic and regional airline, is wholly owned by Fiji Airways, and the rebranding of the airline is the next step in the on-going restructure of the domestic airline group.

The new airline brand will have a distinct, yet part-of-the-family, look with its parent Fiji Airways. The Fiji Airways earthy color palette has been retained on the soon-to-be-adopted livery of Fiji Link aircraft. The Fiji Link wordmark reflects its connection with Fiji Airways as does the use of the Teteva and the Makare motifs on the tail, which are a prominent part of the Fiji Airways brand.

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An internal brand development process resulted in four design and naming options which were then to be voted on by the public and the staff of Pacific Sun and Fiji Airways.

The new brand will be adopted in mid-2014 after the arrival of Pacific Sun’s new ATR 72 aircraft. Further details on the rebrand will be announced in the coming months.

Image: Fiji Airways.