Tag Archives: Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways takes delivery of its first of two Airbus A350-900s

Fiji Airways has become the first airline from the South Pacific region to take delivery of the A350-900 XWB, the world’s most modern all-new wide-body aircraft.

The A350-900, which was delivered following a ceremony in Toulouse, is the first of two A350-900 XWBs that will join Fiji Airways’ fleet. Both aircraft are being leased from Dubai-based DAE Capital. The aircraft are the first to be directly purchased by DAE Capital from Airbus.

Delivering new levels of fuel efficiency, Fiji Airways will operate the A350 XWB on its Nadi-Los Angeles and Nadi-Sydney routes.

Configured in a two-class layout with 334 seats including 33 full flat business and 301 economy class seats, 39 of which are designated as BULA SPACE seats with extra legroom, passengers will enjoy new levels of space and comfort as well as Thales in-flight high-definition entertainment systems.

Fiji Airways currently operates a fleet of six A330 Family and will benefit from the common type rating with the A350 XWB which allows pilots and crews to operate on both aircraft types.

At the end of October 2019, the A350 XWB Family had received 913 firm orders from 50 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful wide-body aircraft ever.

Above Copyright Photo: Fiji Airways (2nd) Airbus A350-941 F-WZFR (DQ-FAI) (msn 299) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 948049.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

Video:

Finnair starts codeshare cooperation with Fiji Airways

Finnair and Fiji Airways have agreed on a new codeshare partnership between Helsinki (HEL) and Nadi (NAN) in Fiji via three gateways served by Finnair.

Finnair’s AY code will be added to Fiji Airways’ flights between Hong Kong (HKG), Singapore (SIN), Narita (NRT) and Nadi, offering an exotic new destination for Finnair customers in the South Pacific. Finnair’s flight numbers will later be added to Fiji’s flights between San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX) and Nadi, subject to applicable government approvals. With this addition, it will now be possible for Finnair customers to complete an around-the-world trip with Finnair flight numbers.

Fiji Airways’ FJ code will also be added to Finnair’s flights to Helsinki via Singapore, opening access for Fiji Airways’ customers to Finland and points beyond in Europe.

Top Copyright Photo: Fiji Airways (2nd) Airbus A330-343 DQ-FJW (msn 1692) (COP23 Fiji) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 940139.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

First Airbus A350-900 for Fiji Airways rolls out of the paint shop

Fiji Airways has released a photo of its first Airbus A350-900 XWB after rolling out of the paint shop at Airbus.

The A350-941 will become DQ-FAI when delivered.

Fiji Airways to add two Airbus A350-900s for its routes to the U.S. and Australia

Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline, has revealed in a joint announcement with majority shareholder, the Fijian Government, that it will acquire two new Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft as part of its widebody aircraft expansion plans.

The two aircraft will be delivered in November and December 2019.

The new additions to the airline’s widebody fleet will be used to primarily to service popular routes between the US and Australia, with exact schedules to be confirmed closer to launch. The announcement comes as Fiji Airways continues to put into practice its unrelenting commitment to passenger satisfaction and sustainability.

The Airbus A350 will feature 33 B/E Aerospace Super Diamond, fully lie-flat Business Class beds, with each offering direct aisle access. While Economy Class will feature 301 Recaro CL3710 seats, which are ranked among the most comfortable long-haul economy class seats on the market.

The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle aircraft and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience. Not only will the aircraft provide the ultimate in luxury air travel to Fiji, it’s also perfect for passengers taking long-haul connecting flights to other destinations. Boasting the latest generation AVANT inflight entertainment system from THALES and Wi-Fi connectivity, guests will be able to enjoy movies, tv and music on-demand, all whilst remaining connected in the air.

The two new A350 XWB aircraft will complement Fiji Airways’ existing widebody fleet of six Airbus A330s, with delivery set for November and December this year.

There are 257 Airbus A350s in the skies around the world today, flown by 24 operators. These include Fiji Airways’ partner oneworld airlines: Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways. Other A350 operators include Hong Kong Airlines, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.

The A350 order book for this aircraft type stands at 890 orders from 50 customers.

Image: Airbus.

Fiji Airways leases a Boeing 737-800 from Miami Air

Fiji Airways has made this announcement:

Fiji Airways has leased a Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Miami Air to cover some of its schedules due to the temporary grounding of its two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The chartered Miami Air aircraft will operate some flights on behalf of Fiji Airways between Nadi and Auckland, Apia, Christchurch and Brisbane (subject to regulatory approval).

The aircraft has 166 Economy Class seats in a single cabin configuration. The leased aircraft will operate with its own cabin crew and pilots, with a Fiji Airways Purser or Senior Flight Attendant onboard to oversee the cabin experience.

Fiji Airways made the decision to lease an aircraft for the upcoming peak period to limit any disruptions to guests’ travel plans. While the airline recognises that the onboard experience and facilities will differ from its usual offering, it will do everything possible to ensure that guests continue to enjoy a comfortable experience. Fiji Airways will contact Business Class guests booked on flights which will now be operated by the leased aircraft to provide travel options.

Miami Air is a charter company based out of Miami in the United States, and have leased aircraft to airlines like British Airways, Air France, and TUI, among others.

Top Copyright Photo: Miami Air International Boeing 737-81Q WL N732MA (msn 30618) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 103751.

Miami Air aircraft slide show:

Fiji Airways and Japan Airlines announce codeshare agreement

Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline and Japan Airlines have announced a codeshare arrangement that makes travel between Japan and Fiji much more convenient for travelers. Both airlines are members of the oneworld® alliance family, with Japan Airlines being a fully-fledged member while Fiji Airways is a member of the oneworld connect program.

The codeshare arrangement, now open for sale, will allow Japan Airlines to offer up to three weekly flights between Nadi (NAN) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), with two direct services and options via our other Asian gateways Singapore (SIN), and Hong Kong (HKG), utilizing the `JL` designator code on flights operated by Fiji Airways. (*)

Once regulatory approvals are obtained, tickets will be progressively made available for sale through various booking channels.

(*) Subject to regulatory approvals

Fiji Airways to retire its single Boeing 737-700

Fiji Airways is refreshing its narrow-body fleet with new Boeing 737-8 MAX 8s.

Fiji Airways operates a single Boeing 737-700.

Currently the airline is planning to operate its last Boeing 737-700 revenue flight with the pictured DQ-FJF on October 31, 2019. According to Airline Route, the planned last route will be from Sydney to the Nadi base.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Fiji Airways (2nd) Boeing 737-7X2 WL DQ-FJF (msn 28878) SYD (John Adlard). Image: 913224.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

Route Map:

Fiji Airways launches nonstop Nadi – Tokyo Narita flights

Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline on July 3, 2018 launched its direct flight to Japan with a celebration at Nadi International Airport. The flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from Nadi to Narita International Airport.

With the launch of the services, Fiji Airways became the 100th airline to serve Narita Airport.

At Nadi International Airport departure gate, an inaugural ceremony was held in celebration of the launch of the new direct route, where passengers were given a taste of Japan with a sushi and green tea station. Onboard each passenger received commemorative gifts and a special inaugural flight dining experience.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen said the three times-weekly flights make Fiji and the South Pacific more accessible to Japanese tourists than ever before.

“We are excited to share with Japan the untouched beauty of our 333 islands. Fiji’s unparalleled hospitality and warmth offers Japanese tourists a unique, culturally immersive experience – much more than just another beach getaway. Our flights have been designed to ensure guests get the most of their time in Fiji. The flight from Narita arrives into Nadi in the morning, with convenient domestic connections on our subsidiary Fiji Link to major tourism spots like Savusavu and Taveuni. Additionally, guests can also easily do boat transfers after arrival to the many wonderful resorts in the beautiful Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups,” Mr. Viljoen said.

“Additionally, this direct flight also provides a great opportunity for Fijians to be able to travel to Japan with the ease and comfort of their National Airline to witness two major sporting events that’s of great interest to many Fijians; the Rugby World Cup in 2019, and the Summer Olympics in 2020.” Mr. Viljoen added.

Fiji Airways Nadi to Narita flights will operate with the code FJ351 with a flight time of nine hours and five minutes. The Narita to Nadi flight will operate with code FJ350 and a flight time of eight hours and 40 minutes.

Flight

Frequency

Departs

Arrives

Start Date

FJ351

Tue, Fri, Sun

Nadi 1:25pm

Narita 7:30pm

Tuesday, July 3rd 2018

FJ350

Tue, Fri, Sun

Narita 9:25pm

Nadi 9:05am

Tuesday, July 3rd 2018

The new route is flown with Airbus A330 aircraft.

Top Copyright Photo: Fiji Airways (2nd) Airbus A330-243 DQ-FJV (msn 1465) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 942223.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

British Airways to connect with Fiji Airways

British Airways and Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline, have today announced a new partnership which will open up more routes between London and the South Pacific than ever before.

From today, British Airways will start selling flights between Singapore, Los Angeles and San Francisco and the Fijian gateway of Nadi direct on ba.com.

This new partnership comes just days after Fiji Airways signed up to become the first oneworld connect partner – a new platform for airlines to link up to the global airline alliance which includes British Airways as a founding member. British Airways is one of Fiji Airways’ oneworld connect sponsors – enabling customers to enjoy more services and benefits when flying on either airline.

Fiji Airways operates international and domestic services to 12 countries and 31 cities, including Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, the US, Hong Kong and Singapore.

British Airways aircraft slide show (Boeing):

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: