Fiji Airways to expand fleet 25%
Guest Writers are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the specific writer directly
Fiji Airways has unveiled a major new expansion plan that will increase its fleet size by 25% over the next five years.
The airline, which was formerly known as Air Pacific, will implement a major new five-year plan focusing on three key areas: increasing its fleet and seat capacity, driving higher operating profits, and expanding its route network through partnerships.
In terms of the fleet expansion, Fiji Airways confirmed it would add new Airbus A330-200s, Boeing 737-800s and ATR 72-600s over the coming years, with the overall aim of boosting its fleet size by 25%, and expanding seat capacity by 35%.
This is expected to drive a 39% increase in passenger traffic, which in turn is expected to boost the airline’s operating profits to more than FJ$100 million (US$53m).
“Our aim is to be a world-class airline matched by an ambitious but solid financial plan that expands on current successes and takes our airline to a new level,” explained Stefan Pichler, Fiji Airways’ managing director & CEO.
“We plan to increase total staff numbers by 28.5%. Part of our vision for 2017 is to be the Fijians’ employer of choice,” he added.
In terms of network expansion, the Nadi-based airline said it will focus on developing new routes through “interlining and codesharing opportunities”.
Fiji Airways embarked on a major modernisation strategy last year, rebranding itself from the former Air Pacific and renewing its long-haul fleet, with new A330s replacing its old B747s. It also now intends to rebadge its regional subsidiary, Pacific Sun, as Fiji Link.
Fiji Airways and Fiji Link currently operate a combined fleet of 12 aircraft – three A330s, four B737s, two ATRs and two Twin Otters.
Comments are closed.