Story by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Fiji Airways will mark its new Canberra-Nadi service with a twice-weekly service from the later half of July.
The flights will be Canberra Airport’s first international service since COVID-19 struck in 2020 and was struck as a result of talks between the ACT Government and Fiji Airways.
The new four-hour service will operate twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays) from July 21 to the end of September then upgrade to three times a week from October.
Fiji Airways Chief Executive and Managing Director Andre Viljoen said the airline conducted extensive market research before it decided on the new service.
“As Fiji’s national airline, we are proud to be flying to the capital of Australia,” he said.
“We are pleased to be able to provide the people of Canberra the only direct flights to Nadi, facilitating a seamless holiday experience which begins the moment they step onboard.”
Fiji Airways was formerly known as Air Pacific with its rainbow livery.
“This marks another significant milestone for Fiji Airways as we continue to expand our network and provide greater connectivity for our customers,” Mr Viljoen said.
“Our services between Nadi and Canberra will also establish a convenient onward connection to North America, other South Pacific destinations and indeed the rest of the world. Travellers can also break up a long journey with a short stay in Fiji.”
The Fijian airline is adding two new Airbus A350s into its fleet.
“We will receive the first of our two new A350s in July, resulting in an immediate increase in capacity across our network. This means we will be able to dedicate more seats to the Australian market, specifically Canberra,” Mr Viljoen said.
“Australia continues to be our major source market for tourism. Not only do we need to be able to cater for the growing number of tourists visiting Fiji, but also position ourselves to create demand and ensure that Fiji Airways is their airline of choice.”
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr also highlighted the Fiji-US connection.
“Fiji Airways currently operates direct flights from Nadi to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Prior to COVID-19, the US market was the second largest inbound market to the ACT for overnight visitation, and it was growing,” he said.
“The US is a key business and economic partner for the ACT and I am sure the service will be well supported by the business, government and diplomatic community.”
The restoration of direct air access into Canberra is is expected to help the ACT tourism economy grow to $4 billion by 2030, he added.
Michael Thomson, Head of Aviation Canberra Airport, said: “This new partnership between Fiji Airways, the ACT Government and Canberra Airport signals the return of direct international services to our city and puts Canberra back on the map.
“We are thrilled about this new opportunity – the magnificent holiday destination of Fiji and fast connections from Fiji to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver.
“We are excited to relaunch our international operations, including our International Departure Lounge – offering all passengers a high-quality business-class experience, and look forward to welcoming the first flight in July.”
A promotional flight by the airline into Canberra Airport on April 14 announced the new service. Onboard were Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka, the Fijian Drua (a type of canoe) Super Rugby Pacific teams and fans to watch the Drua play the ACT Brumbies in the Super Rugby Pacific game in Canberra.
Fiji Airways also confirmed its sponsorship of the ACT Brumbies for the Super Rugby competition.
Tasman Aircraft 