Fiji Airways soars our nation ever higher, brings many benefits
From its first commercial flight as Fiji Airways in 1951, the national airline has today become the envy of airlines and countries in the region. The record profit of $95.8 million before tax, as on December 31, 2017 is an indicator of the reasons why. Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum described this as all about leadership of the organisation and getting the right people into the right positions.
For a company which in years past lost money, the turnaround and continuing growth says it all.
A unique part of the airline’s success is the profit sharing amongst management and staff.
This in itself is an incentive that motivates each worker to put in the extra effort, knowing that there would be the proverbial ‘pot of gold at the end of the rainbow’ each year.
The passenger increase from 1.4 million to 1.6 million in the past year says a lot in this success story.
Added to these impressive statistics is the purchase of new aircraft for both its domestic and international routes which also speaks volumes of where the airline is heading.
As Mr Sayed-Khaiyum further stated, that with the board now considering the actual acquisition in the form of aircraft like the A350s or the Dreamliners, this would be very exciting as it means Fiji had the ability to reach out in a much bigger way to the rest of the world.
Through this, Fiji Airways' ability to source tourism markets would be greatly enhanced and also more jobs and greater opportunities for all Fijians.
From an airline that was started by an acclaimed air navigator, inventor, airline manager, plantation baron and legislator, Fiji Airways has grown into Fiji’s proud flag carrier.
From flying De Havilland Dragon Rapide in those days to the new Airbus 330 jets of today, the airline has truly come of age.
It is without a doubt the region's top airline. But it is more. It is winning growing international recognition and praise. It aims to be the best little airline in the world. And well it could the way it is going.
Well done to Andre Viljoen and everyone at Fiji Airways. Fiji is proud of you.
Through this, Fiji Airways' ability to source tourism markets would be greatly enhanced and also more jobs and greater opportunities for all Fijians.