Compiled by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Fiji Airways unveils record financial results, staff bonus
Fiji Airways has announced a record profit before income tax of Fiji$131.81 million and operating revenue (earnings) of F$1.8 billion for the year ending December 31, 2023.
The airline’s board also approved a F$5000 payout to all eligible non-management employees as well as an interim dividend payout of F$15 million.
The complete re-opening of the airline’s international markets resulted in a 67% rise in operating revenue and a 180% growth in pre-tax profit.
The airline also announced a 58% rise in cash receipts from operations to F$1.9 billion with F$100m in debt paid off. Seat capacity was boosted by 47% to 2.8 million seats with 2.2 million passengers carried, up 57%.
The airline leased two new Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft which will allow it to boost capacity and fuel savings. The airline flew 26,586 international, regional and domestic flights representing a growth of 40 percent from 2022.
Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO, said he was “extremely proud of the commitment and determination shown by the entire team to help achieve these historic results”.
Other key achievements for 2023: Introduced new services to Canberra (Australia) and Noumea (New Caledonia), resumed flights to Adelaide, Hong Kong and Tokyo; ran a direct service to Vancouver (Canada), signed partnerships with JetBlue and Porter Airlines in the US, began phase 2 of construction of a aviation academy which includes new CAE A350 and ATR full flight simulators costing $130 million and operated the first ever flight fuelled by sustainable aviation fuel out of Changi.
Scoot’s Embraer service takes off from Changi
Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, Scoot started operating its first Embraer E190-E2 aircraft with a launch event at Changi Airport on May 7.
Guests got a first look at the aircraft interior with its 112 seats (2-2 single class configuration) with a standard seat pitch of 29” and larger cabin windows.
Scoot Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thing said: “The E190-E2, with its modern operating capabilities and fuel-efficient credentials, was a natural choice as we looked to grow Scoot’s fleet.
“We are confident that with this new-generation aircraft, we will continue to strengthen our presence in the region, enhance our connectivity to non-metro destinations and provide our customers with even more memorable travel experiences.”
The first E190-E2 flight was to Krabi Island and Hat Yai City. A second E190-E2 aircraft also arrived in Singapore and was in the final phase of preparations for operations.
The remaining seven aircraft are expected to be progressively delivered by the end of 2025.
Named Explorer 3.0, the aircraft was handed over to Scoot at Embraer’s production facility in São José dos Campos Brazil on April 11, 2024, and left Brazil the following day.
Tasman Aircraft 