Air Pacific (2nd) (Nadi, Fiji) today (June 27) as planned, became Fiji Airways (2nd), completing its rebranding.

On June 5 the flag carrier issued this statement:

Air Pacific announced it will change its name and start trading as Fiji Airways on Thursday June 27.

Returning to its 1958 name, the switch-over marks another important milestone in the airline’s turnaround. Customers have already been able to experience a “sneak peak” of our new A330 aircraft with their new state of the art features. June 27 represents the official launch of the Fiji Airways brand with a number of further new brand elements rolled out across Fiji and the international marketplace on this date.

“The official changeover date marks the official end of Air Pacific and the beginning of Fiji Airways. It is exciting that after a 15-month journey, we can now be known as ‘Fiji Airways’ across the globe. The changeover represents an exciting future for the airline that is rooted in our more than 60-year history and service to the people of Fiji”, said Aubrey Swift, the airline’s Acting CEO.

“At the heart of our airline’s new name and brand is the Fiji Airways’ brandmark, a striking new Masi design, created by celebrated local Fijian Masi artist, Makereta Matemosi. The brandmark symbolises the airline’s new identity and epitomises all that Fiji Airways represents. It is authentic, distinctive, and true to the airline’s Fijian roots. Fiji Airways will continue to be the country’s flying ambassador to the world, bringing the renowned Fijian hospitality to people across the globe.”

The changeover underscores the success of the airline’s turnaround plan, which started in 2010 and has culminated in reversing record losses and significantly growing passengers and revenue without increasing the size of the carrier’s fleet.

Schedule, product and service enhancements will be rolled out through the rest of 2013, along with the delivery of the third Fiji Airways A330 (and the retirement of the 747s). Thus, by the end of the year, the turnaround and brand transition will be complete.

Top Copyright Photo: John Adlard/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8X2 WL DQ-FJG (msn 29968) is seen at Sydney in the new look.

Fiji Airways: 

Air Pacific: 

Bottom Copyright Photo: Graham Weatherby. Boeing 737-7X2 DQ-FJF (msn 28878), repainted in the new livery of Fiji Airways, departs from a wintry Christchurch, New Zealand.