SHORT TAKES
CAPTAIN SEYMOUR WEDS IN THE SKIES ONE OF FIJI AIRWAYS PIONEER AVIATORS CAPTAIN WARREN SEYMOUR DECIDED TO TIE THE KNOT AT THE BEST POSSIBLE VENUE – ONBOARD A FIJI AIRWAYS FLIGHT FROM SYDNEY TO NADI LAST WEEK. His wife Kylie said she was “swept off her feet” when the pair first laid eyes on each other at Alice Springs Aero Club in Australia, incidentally, the place Captain Seymour first learned to fly.
One of Fiji Airways pioneer aviators Captain Warren Seymour decided to tie the knot at the best possible venue – onboard a Fiji Airways flight from Sydney to Nadi last week.
His wife Kylie said she was “swept off her feet” when the pair first laid eyes on each other at Alice Springs Aero Club in Australia, incidentally, the place Captain Seymour first learned to fly.
It was love at first sight.
He was in charge of flight operations when the original Fiji Airways received their first B737 (200). In an interview with the Fiji Sun, Captain Seymour described his deep love for Fiji, which he had developed about 50 years ago while training young Fijians who went on to become the national airline’s leading pilots.
HERE IS THE INTERVIEW: Why did you choose the wedding in the skies?
I was one of the pioneer Check and Training Capts from the mid 1960’s to 80s and trained the initial batch of Fiji nationals including Captains Sakiasi Rokovucago, Samuela Nasu, Kava Konrote, Louis Whitcombe, Matereti Tuisue, George Marlow, John Cauty, Harley Steven, William (Bill) Gardiner and Dave Bennett.
I was Director of Flight Operations when FJ got its 1st B737 (200) into service.
I like to think my legacy lives on in today’s FJ operations.
I made long lasting friendships during my tenure in Fiji - without doubt the best period of my life and wanted to share the joyous and friendly Fijian hospitality with my wife.
Did your wife like the idea?
Kylie (Mrs Seymour): I loved the idea! I knew it would be especially meaningful for Warren because of his fond memories of Fiji Airways, his connection with the country, and his deep love of the Fijian people.
The uniqueness of the venue was an added bonus.
Now that it’s over, I’m thrilled we chose to do it this way.
It was lovely seeing Warren’s pride at seeing how Fiji Airways and Fijian hospitality in general has developed into a world class product. I hope we can return soon to explore more.
What were some of the highlights of the wedding?
We flew Apisai Vasu, the celebrant, to Sydney to connect with us on the Sydney - Nadi sector. He was very appreciative of being given the opportunity to formalize our togetherness and the cabin crew and many passengers joined in the celebration.
If possible a short bit on where you met your wife?
We met at the Alice Springs Aero Club during a social event.
Interestingly the Aero Club is where I learned to fly in the late 50”s.
Kylie: “His charming smile swept me off my feet - it was love at first sight“.
How was the wedding staged – programme?
Fiji Airways had made arrangements with the crew to have the ceremony following the meal service and when in Fijian Airspace. The Captain informed the cabin crew that we were in Fijian Airspace and unlikely to incur any significant turbulence. Apisai commenced to carry out the service following an announcement over the PA to inform the passengers of the coming event
What did Fiji Airways throw in for one its former management staff?
At the conclusion of the ceremony Fiji Airways supplied champagne.
The passenger’s reactions?
All the passengers joined in and made favourable comment. Quite a number had tears in their eyes and the little girl passengers were thrilled at attending a wedding in the sky.
As one passenger exclaimed “what a fantastic start to a holiday. It’s like a movie.”
Any further comments you may wish to add?
Fiji Airways staff made this a memorable day for us. A special thanks to the cabin crew and the PR Department for arranging and coordinating the inflight activity. A truly memorable occasion.
Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj