Fiji Airways Adds Two Airbus A350s

Fiji Airways will acquire two additional Airbus A350-900s to increase its long-haul fleet to eight.

Fiji Airways will be able to accommodate the growing demand for travel from and to Nadi International Airport (NAN) with the additional aircraft.

Fiji lifted the last travel restrictions earlier in the year. With restrictions no longer in place in most of its markets, Fiji Airways has seen a significant increase in passengers in recent months. Australia, New Zealand and the USA have seen the highest numbers of bookings.

Viliame Gavoka (Fijian Minister of Civil Aviation), spoke at the Tourism Investment Summit. He highlighted the strength and recovery of Fiji Airways, stating that Fiji Airways now sees more bookings than in 2019. Viliame Gavoka, Fijian Minister of Civil Aviation, spoke at the Tourism Investment Summit. He mentioned the two Airbus A350-900s and did not give any details on the delivery dates.

The carrier resumed flights this week to two important Asian markets, Hong Kong International Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT). Gavoka claims that Fiji Airways plans to launch flights to Seoul Incheon, ICN (although no official announcement has been made by the airline). He stated,

"This week, Fiji will welcome back twice-weekly flights between Nadi and Hong Kong, following which Fiji Airways will fly to Narita, Japan, and Seoul, South Korea."

Gavoka continued to say that Fiji Airways has the full support of the government, which supports growth in a controlled manner and is sustainable.

Fiji Airways' widebody fleet

Fiji Airways has two Airbus A350-900s, three Airbus A330-200s, and one Airbus A330-300 in its widebody fleet. The aircraft average age is 3.4 years, 9.9 and 7.3 years according to data from ch.aviation.com.

Airbus A350-900 is still the largest airline aircraft. It can carry a maximum of 334 passengers in two-class configurations - 33 in business and 301 in economy. Fiji Airways' Airbus A330-200s can seat 273 passengers. The airline's Airbus A330-300 is capable of carrying up 313 passengers.

More expansion is on the horizon

Fiji Airways is now looking to expand its route network after its recovery from the pandemic. Fiji Airways is looking to expand its existing routes and increase frequency. Where might it send its new Airbus A350-900s, when they arrive?

Andre Viljoen (the airline's chief executive officer) hinted at expansion into the US and suggested that routes to South America were also being considered. The airline currently flies three West Coast destinations - Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Vancouver International Airport. Its inaugural flight to Canada will take off in November 2022. Fiji Airways would open up South America as a new market.

Source: simpleflying.com