In a move towards modernizing its fleet, Fiji Airways has announced the addition of its latest acquisition, an Airbus A350-900XWB which has been affectionately named the Island of Beqa.
This new widebody aircraft marks the third A350 to grace the Fiji Airways fleet, propelling the national carrier to the forefront of long-range flight innovations.
Under the leadership of Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways has steadfastly pursued a strategy of fleet evolution through the integration of ‘new generation’ aircraft like the Airbus A350.
A Game Changer in Modern Aviation
The Airbus A350 is not just an aircraft; it’s a game-changer in the world of modern aviation. With its superior cabin design, remarkable fuel efficiency, and impressive cargo capacity, the A350 has rapidly become the pride of Fiji Airways and the delight of its passengers.
“The Island of Beqa is brand new, having been put into storage immediately after manufacturing. We were able to negotiate a lucrative deal to acquire it,” said Mr Viljoen.
[monsterinsights_popular_posts_inline]
At its core, the A350 embodies a blend of cutting-edge aerodynamics, state-of-the-art engines, and lightweight materials. This convergence results in a groundbreaking 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions, and operational costs when compared to previous aircraft generations.
Mr. Viljoen emphasizes that this innovation positions Fiji Airways to venture into new horizons, enhancing its global presence while contributing to the island nation’s economic growth.
Tourism and Connectivity
Fiji Airways stands as a vital pillar for the Oceania nation, handling 70% of all visitors to Fiji. This responsibility goes beyond being a mere connector between nations; it also encompasses nurturing the tourism industry.
Tourism is a major economic drawcard for the picturesque island nation – it constitutes 45% of Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product and serves as the nation’s largest employment provider.
The airline’s role extends to not only linking Fiji with the world but also fostering tourism growth by exploring uncharted destinations with high tourism potential.
A New Realm of Possibilities
The introduction of state-of-the-art long haul aircraft like the A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body) opens up a realm of possibilities for Fiji Airways. With enhanced capabilities, the A350 can traverse longer distances, allowing the airline to delve deeper into destinations such as the United States, Canada, and beyond.
As part of its forward-looking strategy, Fiji Airways envisions potential routes to cities like Dallas, Seattle, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Noumea, Wallis, Rarotonga, Port Moresby, and additional destinations across Australia.
Elevating Source Markets and Beyond
The Island of Beqa, with its remarkable capacity, reinforces Fiji Airways’ dominance in crucial source markets such as Australia and New Zealand.
Additionally, it bolsters North American long-haul flights to San Francisco and Vancouver, while Hong Kong continues to serve as the airline’s gateway to China. With the Island of Beqa supplementing its fleet, Fiji Airways is poised to offer enhanced connectivity and unparalleled travel experiences to its passengers.
Fiji Airways is the national airline of Fiji. It is headquartered in Nadi, Fiji, and operates scheduled international services from its hubs in Nadi and Suva to 15 countries and 27 cities.
Nations served include Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Canada and the United States.
The carrier was founded in 1947 as Air Pacific. It was renamed Fiji Airways in 2013. Fiji Airways is a member of the Oneworld alliance.
This means that Fiji Airways passengers can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on other Oneworld airlines, such as American Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas.
It has been recognized for its excellent service and has won several awards, notably including the Skytrax Award for Best Airline in the South Pacific.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
