Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways gets govt support to stay afloat

The announcement comes a day after the airline sent nearly 800 staff home with the economic fallout from the pandemic being blamed.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said the situation at Fiji Airways was being mirrored across the world.

He said the aviation sector was on the brink of collapse due to Covid-19 and the government would do all it could to keep Fiji Airways afloat.

"It's so sad that we have to come to this but really Fiji Airways had no other option.

Nearly 800 Fiji Airways staff terminated

FBC News to obtained a copy of the termination letter that was sent to 775 staff from the airline.

In the letter, Fiji Airways said the severe effects of Covid-19, had resulted in the company taking the "drastic step".

Staff were sent the letter have been given 48 hours to return any Fiji Airways property and to collect personal belongings from the office.

The letter said people who had been released could reapply for roles when the situation allowed.

     

Fiji's airport closes and authorities investigate Covid-19 breaches

The government said three flights bringing Fijian nationals home would be allowed and passengers would be required to quarantine.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said all local shipping services would cease from Sunday.

He said this was to help stop the coronavirus from reaching the outer islands.

Fiji Airways will operate its final scheduled flight between Nadi-Narita tomorrow, and the return Narita-Nadi on Saturday.

The airline said this flight was to assist citizens and residents to return home to Japan, as well as bring Fijians based in Japan back.

Fiji Airways gets new Airbus A350-900 aircraft

The airline said their leased Airbus A350-900 aircraft would carry 334 passengers.

The aircraft has been named the "Island of Viti Levu".

They will service flights to New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

Fiji Airways said the second aircraft would arrive in the country next month.

Fiji Airways extends Crusaders sponsorship

The partnership will see Fiji Airways feature on the front of the Crusaders’ away jerseys from 2020.

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said this will be the first time the Crusaders has had a separate front-of-jersey sponsor for their home and away jerseys, and they are thrilled the team’s away jerseys will feature the Fiji Airways brand from 2020.

Mansbridge added the Crusaders largest fan base outside of New Zealand is in Fiji, which is unsurprising given the overwhelming support they have from local fans whenever the team has played a Super Rugby match in Suva.

Fiji Airways slams Qantas expansion

Qantas started flying from Sydney to Nadi four times a week in January, and now plans to introduce daily flights over the Christmas-New Year period.

Qantas also operates a codeshare agreement with Fiji Airways, and owns a 46-percent stake in the airline.

The chief executive of Fiji Airways, Andre Viljoen, said Australian visitor numbers to Fiji were flat and Qantas' expansion made little sense.

Fiji Airways does not have the capacity to compete with Qantas and the expansion could damage the carrier and the people whose livelihoods depend on it, Mr Viljoen said.

Call to save Fiji's air link to South Korea

Korean Air has announced that it will stop its flights between Seoul and Nadi from October.

The Sodelpa MP, Bill Gavoka, says Korean Air is the only airline from outside the South Pacific to service Fiji.

He says it is the most seamless transfer to Europe and Asia for Fijians, as travelling through Australia and New Zealand requires a visa.

Mr Gavoka's calling on the government to do all it can to have the service retained.

     

Fiji Airways to get new Airbus A350s

The airline said it will lease two new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which can carry about 325 passengers, as part of its expansion plans.

The airline plans to use the aircraft on Fiji services to New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

Robert Oliver is new Fiji Airways Celebrity Chef and Culinary Ambassador

The world-renowned chef, author, and TV presenter will work with Fiji Airways to develop menus for customers to enjoy both on-board (Economy and Business class) and in its brand new lounge currently under construction at Fiji’s Nadi International Airport.

Fiji Airways and Solomon Airlines Sign Codeshare Agreement

The codeshare, which comes into effect on September 30th 2017 will see both airlines place their respective ‘FJ’ and ‘IE’ codes on each other’s flights between Nadi and Honiara.

Guests of Solomon Airlines can expect convenient travel and transfer onto Fiji Airways’ network through its Nadi hub to North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.