Fiji Sun

Super Rugby Demand to

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The Fijian Associatio­n Canberra is hopeful that national airline Fiji Airways will offer a special trip to Fiji when the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Brumbies come over to play their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.

Speaking to SUNsports last Friday night, the Associatio­n publicity officer Larry Irava said apart from the former Fiji residents, the Brumbies supporters are also going to take that opportunit­y to come over to Fiji.

“We’re talking with Fiji Airways to reciprocat­e such a trip like the one you people came in,” Irava said.

“With special airfares and we love to come over with Brumbies fans to watch them play the Drua in Fiji. It will be a full flight to Fiji to cheer on the Brumbies.”

He said the Fijian community really welcomed the Fiji Airways direct flight to Canberra, which officially starts in July.

“The population of Canberra has grown progressiv­ely and now we’ve a lot of Fijian workers who are here working as caregivers.”

The first official flight is on July 21 and it will be twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday.

Brumbies sponsorshi­p

The Fiji-Canberra relations has been further strengthen­ed when Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka officially announced that Fiji Airways is now the official sponsor for the ACT Brumbies.

Fiji Airways managing director/ chief executive officer Andre Viljoen said this is part of the airline’s awareness strategy for Canberra. “We have signed a sponsorshi­p agreement with the Brumbies,” Viljoen said.

“The Brumbies home base is Canberra, and what a better way to cement our commitment to this new route then to bring onboard yet another sponsorshi­p of a top tier Super Rugby team. “

He added this marks another significan­t milestone for Fiji Airways as they continue to expand their network and provide greater connectivi­ty for their customers.

“We are thrilled to bring our world class service to Canberra and look forward to welcoming our customers on board.”

Fiji Airways is also the sponsors of the defending Super Rugby champions Crusaders and the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.

More than rugby

Gavoka in the official unveiling of the Fiji-Canberra direct flight route last Friday said the service would help boost tourism and economic growth in Fiji, providing more job opportunit­ies and further driving the industry forward.

“This new service will provide a seamless travel experience for Australian­s looking to visit Fiji, whether it’s for leisure or business purposes,”Gavoka said. “We welcome all visitors to our shores with open arms and invite them to experience the magic of Fiji.”

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) chief minister Andrew Barr

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 ?? Photo: Leon Lord ?? Vou Dance group member Petrina Osborne performs a fan dance during the Fiji Airways Ultimate Drua Experience event at Nadi Internatio­nal Airport on April 14, 2023.
Photo: Leon Lord Vou Dance group member Petrina Osborne performs a fan dance during the Fiji Airways Ultimate Drua Experience event at Nadi Internatio­nal Airport on April 14, 2023.
 ?? Photo: Leon Lord ?? Vou Dance group members during the Fiji-Canberra official announceme­nt at Canberra Airport in Australia on April 14, 2023.
Photo: Leon Lord Vou Dance group members during the Fiji-Canberra official announceme­nt at Canberra Airport in Australia on April 14, 2023.
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