CAPTION: from left are Air Pacific’s outgoing CEO and MD Dave Pflieger, Airline Programme Director Michael Moore and Chief Commercial Officer Aubrey Swift during the farewell ceremony on Thursday, May 2. Mr Swift has now been appointed the acting CEO of Air Pacific. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
Nadi, Fiji – The Chairman of the Board of Air Pacific, soon to be flying as “Fiji Airways”, today announced that Aubrey Swift, one of the airline’s top executives, has been tapped to lead the airline while the search for a permanent chief executive officer to replace departing Managing Director & CEO Dave Pflieger wraps up. Swift, who currently serves as the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, will assume the role of ‘Acting CEO’ effective Sunday, May 5, 2013 following Pflieger’s departure.
“With the talent and experience that Aubrey has demonstrated throughout his 20-year career as an airline industry executive and during his tenure at Air Pacific, the Board of Directors unanimously agreed that Aubrey is the right choice to oversee the continuation of the airline’s highly successful revitalisation and rebranding initiatives and to ensure a seamless leadership transition. Responsible for every aspect of the airline’s marketing, planning, revenue management, freight, global sales, and all other commercial activities, Aubrey’s proven capabilities have earned the respect and full confidence of the Board,” said Nalin Patel, Chairman of Air Pacific’s Board of Directors.
The Board also announced that it expects to conclude its search for a permanent CEO to replace Pflieger in the next month, noting there has been world-wide interest in the role, and this has resulted in a large pool of highly qualified candidates to choose from. “Because Dave assembled such an impressive and deep bench of highly talented local and overseas executives, we can afford the time to conduct a thorough replacement search knowing that the tremendous work already being undertaken by the Company and its leadership team to take delivery of additional A330s and conclude our ‘Fiji Airways’ rebranding will continue without interruption,” said Mr. Patel.
“Dave did an amazing job here, and it is an honour to work side-by-side with such dedicated, talented, and hard-working people, to safeguard his legacy of safety, operational excellence, award-winning customer service, employee satisfaction, and profitability,” said Mr. Swift. “Soon to be flying as ‘Fiji Airways,’ our team here has created a dynamic platform for future growth and success, and I am excited to be a part of it. I greatly appreciate the Board’s confidence. Together with Air Pacific’s terrific team of dedicated people, I look forward to ensuring our future success as we keep our employees engaged and rewarded, ensure our customers are satisfied, and make Fiji proud.”
Before joining Air Pacific, Swift served in senior commercial roles at British Airways, Virgin Blue and most recently at V Australia, where he helped design, launch and grow, that start-up carrier from Brisbane.
Press Release