It is the first of five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and was flown in from seattle, USA.
Mr Sayed Khaiyum commended the Fiji Airways Board for the successful acquisition.
Amongst the flight crew were pilots, Captain Josua cavalevu and Captain Andrew Konrote, who made a low fly over Suva, Nausori and Kadavu before its final descent in Nadi.
Fiji Airways chief executive officer and managing director Andre Viljoen said the new Boeing 737 MAX 8 will give Fiji Airways ‘’14 per cent better fuel efficiency’’,
Mr Viljoen said the new aircrafts would provide the company with substantially improved fuel savings and efficiencies.
‘’Fuel accounts for more than 30 percent of our cost base’’, he said.
‘’fuel prices have sharply increased over the past year beyond predictions and continue to bite all airlines even those who hedge their fuel prices.
‘’Airlines are already reporting eroded profits due in no insignificant part, to the increase in fuel price Fiji Airways will be no different’’.
He said the new technology that comes with the Boeing 737 MAX 8, allowed the airline to save its fuel costs.
‘’We have opted for a configuration of eight business Class seats and 162 economy class seats, which are more than the seats in our existing Boeing 737 NG aircraft’’.
He said five of the Boeing 737 NG aircraft would be replaced by the Boeing 737 MAX 8s.
‘’We have truly world class partners with some of the biggest names in aviation partnering with us to deliver a fleet that Fiji Airways and Fiji will be proud of, and an experience that our customers will love.
‘’Boeing, the manufacturers of this beautiful aircraft confirm that the Boeing 737 MAX is the fastest – selling airline in Boeing history, accumulating about 4800 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide.’’
“NEW BIRD FOR FIJI AIRWAYS”
