July 21: Fiji Airways’ Adds More Routes
Fiji Airways (FJ) may be preparing to say ‘G’Day’ to at least two more Australian ports as soon as next month, a senior official of the national carrier has said.
Fiji Airways executive manager of global sales, marketing, and digital, Akuila Batiweti, expressed the airline’s aspirations to become the third largest carrier down under by the number of international destinations served.
One could wonder where the carrier plans to take off to next, given the airline already operates to the three largest cities on Australia’s east coast, in addition to Adelaide and its hotly anticipated launch to the capital, Canberra.
Increased capacity
Mr Batiweti said the demand for its soon-to-commence twice-weekly Nadi (NAN) - Canberra (CBR) route had exceeded expectations.
The carrier may introduce a third rotation to the schedule soon.
The first flight is scheduled July 21 this year.
Fiji Airways already connects Adelaide (ADL), Brisbane (BNE), Melbourne (MEL), and Sydney (SYD). Many wonder, where it will fly to next.
Five most logical destinations
for
Cairns (CNS) - located in tropical North Queensland; effectively competing against each other with geographic similarities.
There could be a lack of market here.
Gold Coast (OOL) - again a tourist mecca, being located only 100kms (60 miles) from Brisbane International Airport may not suffice a direct service (not saying it isn’t possible, Air Pacific, now Fiji Airways, once operated the route).
Newcastle Williamtown (NTL) the airport has been crying out for an international connection since losing its Auckland service with Virgin Australia (VA) during the pandemic.
The airport has been in discussion with other carriers such as Scoot (TZ); however, for desperate travelers, the airport provides easy connections via Melbourne or Brisbane or a 176km (106 miles) drive to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD).
Two more possible options
Darwin (DRW), a city with a permanent population of over 130,000, is the largest in the Northern Territory.
Perth (PER) is the largest city in Western Australia, with almost two million residents, and home to a key international airport that serves destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
With Fiji famed for its luxury hotels and golden sand beaches, it’s worth noting that a connection to Darwin or Perth isn’t just to accommodate those looking to lay on the beach.
Fiji Airways has positioned itself as a critical player in the Australia/New Zealand to North America market, serving Los Angeles, San Francisco, and recently launched Vancouver.
The airline has a fleet of six widebodies that accommodate its longhaul network, compromised of: three Airbus A330-200s, one Airbus A330-300, and two Airbus A350-900s.
Continued growth will see the carrier add another two A350s to the fleet soon.
Most Fiji Airways Australian destinations are currently served by the Boeing 737 MAX and a mix of its widebody fleet.
The carrier also operates in three cities in New Zealand:
Auckland (AKL),
Christchurch (CHC), and Wellington (WLG).