Air connections are the lifeline of South Pacific island communities, bringing in international tourists to drive economies and connecting populations across islands.
This is especially true for Fiji, which relies on tourism for over 40% of its gross domestic product and has over 300 islands, with over 100 permanently inhabited.
New ATRs will improve connectivity in Fiji
Following the epidemic, Fiji Airways has upgraded its fleet with two new Airbus A350 XWB widebodies, increasing long-haul capacity and offering premium business class seats.
The airline runs four A350s and four A330s on international routes to Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Asia, augmented by Boeing 737s, ATR, and De Havilland turboprop aircraft.
Fiji Airways recently added two new ATR 72-600 turboprops to increase domestic capacity and better service Northern Fiji. Both aircraft took long ferry trips from France to Fiji, with the first arriving on December 29, 2024 and the second on January 5, 2025.
The two aircraft took similar flight paths back to Fiji, with the most recent departing France on January 2 and arriving in Fiji on January 5. The ATR 72-600, registration DQ-FLC and MSN 1711, left Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS) at 09:16 and arrived at Cairo International Airport (CAI) at 16:20.
It spent 65 minutes on the ground before departing at 17:25 for the second leg to Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International in India.
On January 3, the ATR72 traveled from Hyderabad International (HYD) to Rayong Pattaya U-Taupo International (UTP), in Thailand. On January 4, sectors were added from Rayong to Davao City International (DVO) in the Philippines and Jayapura Sentani Airport (DJJ) in Indonesia.
The final day began at 07:37 with a flight from Jayapura Sentani to Honiara International (HIR) in the Solomon Islands, which took 5:22 hours and arrived at 14:59. The ATR 72-600 arrived at Nadi International Airport (NAN) at 19:53 on Sunday, January 5, 2025, after departing Honiara at 15:52.
Creating more South Pacific linkages.
The new aircraft will largely fly regional routes in Fiji’s Northern and Western divisions. Additional ATRs will be installed gradually to increase capacity and enable more regular services on major domestic routes such as Nadi-Suva and Labasa.
Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen stated that the two new ATRs represent a significant investment in Fiji’s internal connectivity.
“They are a key component of our commitment to giving our passengers with comfortable and efficient travel options while also improving connectivity across our islands.
This fleet expansion will also help us satisfy the growing demand for domestic travel, ensuring that we can deliver additional capacity where it is most required.”
The decision is also consistent with the airline’s overall objective to increase the Nadi hub’s connectivity and travel alternatives for passengers, particularly those connecting between domestic and international routes. Regionally, the new ATRs will provide services from:
- Nadi to Tongatapu (Tonga), followed by Nadi to Vava’u.
- Nadi to Funafuti (Tuvalu).
- Nadi to Port Vila (Vanuatu).
- Suva (SUV) to Funafuti.
New attire for Fiji Link employees.
Fiji Link, Fiji Airways’ domestic and regional affiliate, is introducing new uniforms for its employees, which are now consistent with the distinctive Fiji Airways uniform.
The new uniform is part of the airline’s ongoing attempt to harmonize its identity across all divisions, delivering a consistent, professional, and united appearance for both Fiji Link and Fiji Airways team members.
Fiji Airways stated the new uniforms reflect the airline’s vivid and modern image while also reflecting Fiji Link’s young cultural heritage.
The change is intended to provide a unified visual identity for all staff members, from the front line to the cabin crew, and is consistent with the airline’s aim to improve customer experience and brand image.