Open Skies & Green Plan
The review of national aviation policies holds so much promise for national carrier Fiji Airways.
The comment from Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji followed queries over the Government’s open skies decision, which would be carried out on a case-by-case basis.
While Fiji Airways and Fiji Airports Limited did not respond to queries from this newspaper, aviation regulator chief executive Theresa O’Boyle-Levestam said the authority was ready to actively engage in collaborative efforts with airlines and stakeholders.
“Together, we will ensure compliance with international aviation safety and security standards, safeguarding the well-being of passengers and the integrity of our aviation industry,” she said.
“The authority supports the Cabinet decision to review the National Aviation Policy, with a focus on strategic liberalisation of air transport.
“Recognising the potential for economic growth and enhanced connectivity, we support the case-bycase approach which will ensure the national interest remains a priority with economic benefits balanced alongside critical safety and security considerations.”
Fiji Airways earlier made a presentation to Cabinet.
“Cabinet also agreed that negotiations be held with the United States of America for an open skies framework which will allow Fiji Airways to evaluate operating direct services between Fiji and other US destinations, as well as onestop services from Fiji through the US to a third country,” a statement from the Government said.
Subhead
Aviation minister Viliame Gavoka yesterday said the open skies decision was an effort to demonstrate to bigger players Fiji’s commitment to liberalise the air transport sector.
Fiji Airways is limited to destinations such as Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco, he said.
“But we want to fly to other destinations like Dallas,” Mr Gavoka said.
“By liberalised efforts, America can talk to us about flying to other areas.
“The US is the biggest spender in Fiji.”
Fiji is among destinations promoted by Alaska Airlines in its Global Getaway campaign. According to Simple Flying, the oneworld carrier offered more than 50 per cent off on award redemptions with the new Global Getaways promotion.
Fiji is also a member of oneworld.
First destinations include exotic beach escapes, such as Fiji, Tahiti, Maldives, Bahamas, Bali, and Zanzibar, Simple Flying reported.
“Promotional destinations can be mixed and matched with one en-route stopover for up to 14 days in each direction,” Simple Flying said.
“The first theme has been revealed to be Global Getaways: Exotic, Sunny Beach Escapes.”
Simple Flying is the world’s largest aviation news website, with its headquarters in London.
Where can you go?
The first destinations were chosen to highlight the carrier’s new award charts, which reduced the number of points needed to book flights operated by Alaska Airlines’ partners.
The carrier has agreements that allow passengers to earn and spend miles on 11 airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, and LATAM.
Flights must be booked by April 30 and flown from September through November to be eligible for the promotion.
The sale is only for economy and premium economy (which includes select domestic business class flights without lie-flat seats), a move the carrier indicated was to ensure mass availability at the stated prices.
How to book flights
Seats are available on a first-come, firstserve basis.
Travelers can access the Global Gateways page log into their Mileage Plan accounts to begin booking.
Simple Flying’s research shows good redemption availability across all the advertised routes at the promotional price.