Island of Viti Levu Now at Dubai Air Show
Fiji Airways first A350-900 XWB aircraft, named ISLAND OF VITI LEVU is on display at the Dubai Air Show. The aircraft has stopped over in Dubai on its delivery flight from Toulouse, France. During the Prime Minister’s International Business Award 2019 at the Sheraton Fiji Resort past Saturday Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said: “We’ve now added a beautiful new flagship to our Fiji Airways fleet with Fiji’s –– and indeed the Pacific’s –– very first Airbus A350-900 extra-wide body. Mr Bainimarama highlighted that it made its way from France to Dubai with the Attorney-General and Minister responsible for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz aSyed-Khaiyum on board to participate in the Dubai Air Show. “I will then join him in Sydney to bring her home on the 23rd of this month. “Marking a milestone in aviation and demonstrating how we will continue to expand our economy by keeping Fiji on the cuttingedge.
“I think this strategic investment is a history-making achievement,”
Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive officer, Andre Viljoen highlighted:
“In fact, the Fiji Airways A350 is so spectacular, that Airbus asked us to display it at the Dubai Air Show on November 17 and 18, on the way home from Toulouse.
“This is a massive honour for Fiji Airways and for Fiji, to have our aircraft displayed as the central attraction for Airbus in one of the largest air-shows in the world.
“After Dubai, the A350 will also stop enroute – in Brisbane and then in Sydney, so we are able to have our trade partners and travel agents see the aircraft.
“This will help them sell our A350 experience to more and more guests.”
Fiji Airways has become the first airline in the South Pacific region to acquire the first of two Airbus A350-900s, which will operate on routes to Los Angeles and Sydney. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum formally accepted the new A350 on behalf of Fiji Airways at the Airbus factory in Toulouse past Friday. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum officiated at the delivery ceremony and delivered an address to key partners: Airbus, Rolls-Royce, DAE Capital and other suppliers, contractors, etc.
He took the first leg of the delivery flight from Toulouse to Dubai where the new A350 is currently showcased at the Dubai Air Show.
Delegation
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum led the Fijian delegation along with the Fiji Airways board chairman Rajesh Punja, Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive officer, Andre Viljoen, Shaenaz Voss, Executive General Manager, Fiji Link and Group Corporate, International and Government Affairs and the Fiji Airways team.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum posted on his Facebook
page: “Getting my wings with our three Fiji Airways pilots and our Airbus escort. “One more stop at Sydney –– and then we bring her home!
“On the ground at the Maktoum International Airport where we’ll be showcasing our beautiful new #A350 at the Dubai Air Show. We’re only 6 short days away from bringing the “Island of Viti Levu” home! #Fiji #teamFiji”
Route
■After Brisbane and Sydney, our A350 will be on its way home on Saturday, November 23. The aircraft will approach Viti Levu at 12 noon and, subject to weather and relevant clearances, do a low fly-over of Nausori, Suva, Pacific Harbour, Sigatoka, the Mamanuca Islands, before touching down at Nadi at 12.50pm.
■Starti■g in December 2019, the carrier will deploy the A350 on its routes from Nadi to Los Angeles and Sydney.
■The new aircraft features a two-class layout for 334 passengers, including 33 in business and 301 in economy class.
About the Dubai Airshow
The Dubai Airshow is a five day event being held from November 17 to November 21 at the Dubai Airshow Site, DWC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The record-breaking Dubai Airshow is one of the largest and most successful air shows in the world, connecting aerospace professionals across all areas of the industry to facilitate successful global trade.
Dubai is continuing to grow and outpace traditional markets as it becomes an increasingly important global aerospace hub. Exhibitors and visitors attend the Dubai Airshow to take advantage of this growth and build their brand.