Delivery of Twin Otter a step up for domestic travel
The modernised features enhance safety, which is paramount to air travel.
The arrival of Fiji Link’s first of the DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otters on Monday marks a new journey when travelling domestically. The delivery was done by the aircraft’s manufacturer Viking Air Limited.
This new aircraft is a step-up from the existing 300 series with air- conditioned cabins and refreshing interiors and increased passenger comfort.
Not only that, an added feature is the state-of-the-art digital avionics systems and operating features in the cockpit. This is to enhance operational reliability and an easier transition for Fiji Link pilots to progress onto their upgraded fleet.
These modernised features enhance safety, which is paramount to air travel.
Gone are the days when domestic travellers using former airlines sometimes put their lives at risk travelling on second-hand aircraft, which were mostly out-dated.
Experiences where water would seep through when flying in the rain or pilots opting to go on visual as vital instruments were malfunctioning are not possibilities passengers travelling on the new aircraft may think of.
Not only is Fiji Link boosting domestic travel but also strengthening the tourism industry as well.
With Fiji Link’s on-time flights coupled with safety and comfort, tourists would not stay only in the main islands but have the option of travelling to explore the beauty of the outer islands as well.
Fiji Link provides connecting flight services from Nadi or Nausori International airports to Labasa, Savusavu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Levuka, Vanuabalavu and Lakeba. Fiji Link is a subsidiary of our national airline Fiji Airways.
Fiji Airways group managing director and chief executive officer Andre Viljoen said they have purchased three of these modern Twin Otters with the other two aircraft to be delivered in the first half of 2018.
He said they would continue to make investments to modernise their fleet, increase capacity, grow their network and provide a better customer experience. Once Fiji Link completes the acquisition and delivery of all the three aircraft the airline will have four Twin Otters, which will increase their flights to key domestic routes.
“Like I’ve said never before has our domestic airline travel reached such heights and with smart investment plans where comfort and safety are not compromised we’re certainly heading in the right direction,” Mr Viljoen said.
So a big vinaka vakalevu to the decision makers at Fiji Airways and Fiji Link for taking such bold steps in lifting the standard of our domestic travel.