Air Pacific - Well Done but review other Airlines Flight into Fiji!

Fiji welcomes new additions to Air Pacific's fleet, expanded routes

Oct 20|09:26 am

Air Pacific has inaugurated the “Mamanuca Islands,” a Boeing B737-800—the first new plane in the carrier’s fleet in eight years, and the cornerstone of many developments to be taking place at the airline in the months ahead.

The new aircraft was greeted on Tuesday by a “water cannon salute” and more than 100 guests and family in the Air Pacific hanger at Nadi International Airport. Republic of Fiji officials, Air Pacific employees and their family, members of the tourism industry and others welcomed the plane for what promises to be a significant contribution to Fijian economy.

Air Pacific has in recent months been repositioning itself for the future, and the Mamanuca Islands, along with additional soon-to-be-delivered planes, will allow the airline to almost double the number of flights between Sydney, Australia and Fiji, from seven to 13. Australia presents one of the most important markets for Fiji’s tourism sector, which makes up more than 30 per cent of the country’s GDP.

The new schedule will result in more convenient morning and afternoon flights to Nadi, allowing visitors to make outer-island connections, as well as more morning and evening return flights to Sydney. “This allows us to better serve our customers and better compete for business,” said Air Pacific’s CEO Dave Pflieger in remarks before the crowd.

“At a time when other airlines are consolidating or closing, Air Pacific is reinvesting and taking smart steps to plan for, not just the years, but the decade ahead,” said Attorney-General and Minister for Aviation and Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. “This plane represents more competition, job growth and a stronger Fijian economy.”

In his remarks following the inspection and blessing of the plane, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum outlined the importance of taking a holistic approach to promoting Fiji’s tourism sector and economy:

“Given that more than 30 per cent of our GDP comes from tourism, we need to ensure all facets of this industry are working properly and together—from the plane you fly in on, to the roads outside the airport that take you around Fiji, to the water that people drink, to the labor terms of the workers at the resorts, to the incentives we provide hotel operators. Everything must work together,” the minister said.