Fiji Airways Celebrated the Arrival of the "Island of Beqa," a New Addition to Its Modern Fleet

NADI, Fiji, August 15, 2023 — Fiji Airways, the national carrier of Fiji, marked a significant milestone in its fleet modernization strategy with the acquisition of a brand-new Airbus A350-900XWB, named the "Island of Beqa." This addition, which was the third A350 to join the airline's fleet, underscored Fiji Airways' commitment to enhancing its service offerings and expanding its network to foster the growth of Fiji's tourism sector.

A Lucrative Acquisition Enhanced Capacity and Connectivity

The "Island of Beqa" was set to augment Fiji Airways' capacity, particularly in its leading source markets of Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, it promised to boost long-haul flights to prominent destinations such as San Francisco, Vancouver, and Hong Kong, the latter being the airline's gateway to China.

The aircraft, which had been stored immediately after manufacturing, represented a lucrative acquisition for Fiji Airways, offering substantial benefits including a 25% advantage in fuel burn, CO2 emissions, and operating costs compared to previous generation aircraft.

Exploring New Horizons with the Airbus A350

Andre Viljoen, the Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways, highlighted that the Airbus A350, with its state-of-the-art aerodynamics, new generation engines, and lightweight materials, quickly became the pride of the airline. The aircraft not only ensured significant fuel savings and substantial cargo capacity but also offered superior cabin amenities, enhancing the passenger experience.

Looking ahead, the airline eyed potential new destinations, leveraging the A350's capabilities to fly deeper into the United States or Canada. Cities like Dallas, Seattle, Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul were on the radar, along with other destinations in the Pacific region and Australia.

A Catalyst for Fiji's Tourism Industry

Fiji Airways played a pivotal role in the nation's economy, bringing in 70% of all visitors to Fiji and significantly contributing to the tourism industry, which accounted for 45% of the country's GDP. The national carrier was keen on nurturing this sector by introducing new destinations with high tourism potential, thereby supporting sustainable growth in the industry.

Celebratory Discounts Marked the Arrival of the "Island of Beqa"

To commemorate the arrival of the new A350 aircraft, Fiji Airways offered substantial discounts on return economy airfares to Fiji and beyond, valid until August 31, 2023, for selected travel dates. For more details on this limited-time offer, visit Fiji Airways' official website.

About Fiji Airways

Founded in 1951, the Fiji Airways Group encompassed Fiji Airways, Fiji's national airline, and its subsidiaries, including Fiji Link, its domestic and regional carrier. From its hubs at Nadi and Suva International Airports, the group served over 108 destinations in more than 15 countries. In 2023, it aimed to earn revenues exceeding USD 680 million. Learn more at Fiji Airways' official website.