As Fiji Airways marks its 70th anniversary, the Fijian national carrier has confirmed plans to welcome back international travellers later this year.
As a nation, Fiji has been rapidly rolling out vaccinations, and is on track to have the entire working population fully vaccinated by November. Similarly, Fiji Airways’ staff are now 97% fully vaccinated, with the entire workforce expected to reach the milestone by the end of October. All customer-facing Fiji Airways staff are already fully vaccinated.
While there is no confirmed date for when Australia plans to relax international border restrictions, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian yesterday advised that 80 per cent double dose vaccinations allows them to look at international travel options. Fiji Airways’ Managing Director & CEO Mr. Andre Viljoen welcomed the news and believes Fiji and its national carrier is on track to be the world leader when it comes to COVID-Safe travel.
“As we celebrate our 70th birthday, the best present we could receive is the knowledge that in the near future we’ll welcome our Australian guests back onboard our aircraft with a big Fijian Bula,” said Mr Viljoen. “We’re on track. We’re the only airline in the Australia-Pacific region, and one of only a handful in the world, to achieve a Skytrax 5-Star COVID Safety rating, as well as the highest “DIAMOND” or Hospital Grade certification for APEX Health Safety powered by Simpliflying. With the processes and procedures we have put in place to ensure safe travel, there’s no reason we can’t realise that dream sooner rather than later.”
Mr Viljoen said Fiji’s vaccination rollout has helped accelerate the timeline, and a reopening framework was being finalised in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the COVID Response Management Team, comprising key Permanent Secretaries from across Government.
“Our flight schedules will be released immediately following an official announcement by the Government which outlines border requirements and travel framework. One of these will undoubtedly be that visitors must be fully vaccinated, a position Fiji Airways strongly supports,” added Mr Viljoen
Fiji Airways is on track to complete its return to commercial flying programme, internally termed “Fly Ready”.
Fiji Airways Celebrates 70 Years of Flying
Fiji Airways took off on its first flight one 1st September 1951, as founder Harold Gatty’s 7-seater De Havilland Dragon Rapide, piloted by Captain Fred Ladd, took off from the Fiji’s Luvuluvu airstrip (Nausori) to Drasa Airport (near Lautoka). From the bumpy one-hour Dragon Rapide flight 70 years ago to operating 20 jet and turbo-prop aircraft today, Fiji Airways has grown into an international airline with an extended network to 108 destinations globally.
Mr. Rajesh Punja, Fiji Airways Chairman said: “Fiji Airways has consistently broken new ground for 70 years, creating a bridge for Fiji to the world and the world to Fiji. COVID has grounded commercial flying temporarily, but cannot wipe our 70-year history. We thank our predecessors, our people, and partners old and new for their commitment and support over the years and we prepare to resume flying, hopefully in just a few months, and lead Fiji’s tourism and economic recovery.”
Addressing staff from their Nadi Head Office, Managing Director & CEO Mr. Andre Viljoen said the National Airline draws strength from its 70-year history, to fight the current existential crisis caused by the COVID pandemic.
“While we are not celebrating our 70th anniversary, or FJ 70 as we call it, with fanfare, we are commemorating the occasion quietly to recognise how far we have come as an airline. Our grit and determination to survive and thrive, as we have done for 70 years, is the foundation on which our airline will return to the skies post-pandemic.”
He added: “The trailblazing achievements of our founder Harold Gatty created a legacy that has lasted seven consecutive decades. The commitment and resolve of our people, shareholders and partners will see us power through for another seven decades and more.”
Fiji Airways has been the most connected airline in the region throughout its history, linking to more Pacific Island countries than any other carrier. It flies directly to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, and regionally to Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu. Its wider network through its oneworld and bilateral partner airlines increases the airline’s reach to 108 destinations worldwide.
Mr Viljoen continued: “The world has changed and there will be a new normal for travel when most countries reopen their borders and we are ready for it. Through our Travel Ready programme, Fiji Airways has attained two distinct awards that will give confidence to our customers when commercial flying resumes.”
