Island of Gau helps Fiji Airways soar to great heights
The second Boeing 737 MAX 8, The Island of Gau, was handed over to Fiji Airways by Boeing yesterday at the Boeing Everett Factory, in Everett, Washington, USA.
It’s another feather in the cap for our national airline as it continues to modernise its fleet.
It also means more comfort, ease and safety in travel for passengers loyal to the brand.
For Fiji Airways the new planes are more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.
The 737 MAX family is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating about 4800 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide. Boeing has delivered more than 200 737 MAX airplanes since May 2017.
Fiji Airways plans to use the fuel-efficient, longerrange version of the popular 737 jet to expand and modernise its single-aisle fleet.
Fiji Airways plans to take delivery of five MAX 8 airplanes, which will build on the success of its fleet of Next-Generation 737s.
The MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other airframe enhancements to improve performance and reduce operating costs. The first MAX 8 made its first commercial flight to Adelaide last month and to New Zealand as well.
The Island of Gau’s first destination will be made known tomorrow.
Compared to the previous 737 model, the MAX 8 can fly 600 nautical miles farther, while providing 14 percent better fuel efficiency.
The MAX 8 can seat up to 178 passengers in a standard two-class configuration and fly 3,550 nautical miles (6,570 kilometers).
Fiji Airways may be a relatively small airline compared to the bigger players. But it’s making its presence felt in international aviation with the way it is expanding and modernising its fleet with the resources at its disposal.
It has become a signature brand in this region and beyond. Its progress has been steady. Thanks to a strong management team led by chief executive officer Andre Viljoen and Executive General Manager and Fiji Link and Group Corporate, International and Government Affairs, Shaenaz Voss.
It has not been an easy task for Mr Viljoen and his management team who have sweated to ensure that the best results are delivered with the quality products.
Once all the five new planes enter into service, Fiji Airways will have one of the youngest fleets in the world.
As we have heard before, milestones such as these are only possible because of the support of the Fijian Government. That must be recognised. We congratulate Fiji Airways for continuing to soar to greater heights.