CAPTION: Cabin Crew Hospitality at Air Pacific Nadi Training Centre. Photo: SUPPLIED.
Nadi, Fiji. 3 March 2013 – As Air Pacific puts in place final preparations before the arrival of its first A330 on March 19th, its 242 Cabin Crew are getting up-skilled and ‘checked out’ to operate this aircraft type. The intensive training incorporates both cabin safety for the new A330, and the refined service touches of the soon-to-be ‘Fiji Airways’ onboard experience.
Over 80 cabin crew have already attended the specialised A330 conversion training in Hong Kong at the Cathay Pacific Airways’ state-of-the-art training facility. The training ensures that crew are competent and confident in cabin safety and emergency procedures for the A330. “Like every other aspect of our business, safety is top priority and is the first step in the training program for our cabin crew who will operate the airline’s incoming flagship aircraft”, said Raelene Gibson, Air Pacific’s Manager Cabin Crew.
“The next step as we prepare to receive the first of our A330’s is the new and enhanced onboard guest experience aligned to providing our guests with authentic Fijian hospitality”, she added.
The four-day hospitality workshops are conducted by the Air Pacific Guest Services team at the Training Centre at Nadi Airport. “The workshops are designed to engage and orientate cabin crew to the new product and service signatures that have been crafted to offer a unique and differentiated guest experience” says Mark Turner, General Manager Guest Services and In-flight.
“Even our Nadi Training Centre has been given a make-over. Our rebrand is all inclusive. We have a new look and with it a new branded guest experience which I am confident will delight our guests when they step onboard one of our flights, and there’s more to come once we officially become ‘Fiji Airways’ in June.
Once the first A330 arrives in Nadi, Fiji on March 19th, all cabin crew will undergo a further one-day aircraft familiarisation programme to ensure they are fully conversant with its latest equipment and features.
Air Pacific pursers (cabin service supervisors) and senior flight attendants have already undergone extensive formal leadership and cabin management ‘up-skilling’ training in preparation for the airline’s new brand rollout. This training was conducted and supported by an Ireland-based aviation training and development expert and the InterContinental Hotel Group, who provided specialised insights into delivering a 5-star branded guest experience.
“We have partnered with the best training service providers across the globe to ensure our crew are meeting the highest standards of service for our customers as we welcome these new aircraft and transition to ‘Fiji Airways’,” said Dave Pflieger, Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO.
“Our outstanding crew are the reason we received first-ever recognition from Conde Nast Traveler magazine and one of the World’s “Top 5” Small Airlines for two years in a row (2011 & 2012). And we’re confident with further world-class training, new aircraft and a new service model, we will achieve our goal of offering the best flying experience in the South Pacific.”
PRESS RELEASE