CAPTION: Staff of Fiji Airways display their new uniform at the official launch function at Sheraton Fiji yesterday. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
Fiji Airways officially launched as the ‘Air Pacific’ brand is retired
Fiji Airways, Fiji’s national airline, has today been officially launched around the world.
The airline, in a nod to its heritage, returned to its original identity and has retired its ‘Air Pacific’ brand.
Nalin Patel, the airline’s Chairman says the official launch of Fiji Airways represents an exciting new chapter for the airline and the people of Fiji.
“This is a proud day for the Fiji Airways team and the Fijian people,” said Mr. Patel. “The name ‘Fiji Airways’ proudly represents all Fijians and all that our 333 beautiful islands stand for – we are honoured to be Fiji’s flying ambassador to the world.”
“Our team has been working exceptionally hard for the last 14 months since we made the announcement that we were going to rename Air Pacific as Fiji Airways. We’ve created a new brand, and with that a new legacy in our two new, state-of-the-art A330-200s which we have already welcomed in to our current fleet. We very much look forward to arrival of our third A330 in November this year, and the rebrand and refresh of our current fleet of B737s.”
With the move comes a number of exciting new brand elements which will today be rolled out across Fiji and the international marketplace, from pre-departure experience, airport touch-points and on-board experience.
Customers will immediately benefit from the new website – www.fijiairways.com with improved features and service options, an improved reservations centre, and new look sales offices.
New check-in signage, baggage tags and a host of other items in the new brand will prelude the Fiji Airways experience. The airline has retired its previously known classes – Pacific Voyager (economy) and Tabua Class (business), and will introduce the Fiji Airways’ Economy and Fiji Airways’ Business Class as part of its enhanced on-board offering.
On board, Fiji Airways has introduced new (A330) and refreshed (B737) interiors. Revitalised service, including new meal options, new crockery and linens, have been introduced to offer an improved long-haul dining experience. Business class guests will enjoy a new fine dining experience and a new wine cellar with world-class wine options on-board. Special Fiji Airways designed amenity kits for overnight flights and noise cancelling IFE headsets are part of the full suite of new on-board products.
State-of-the-art in-flight entertainment systems, duty free in-flight shopping, and the introduction of a sleeper and breakfast service routines complete the new Fiji Airways experience. In addition, on the new A330s the Fiji Airways Kids Club offers complimentary entertainment for children with movies, games and e-books.
Aubrey Swift, Fiji Airways’ Acting CEO said the airline wanted to ensure a whole new customer experience at every turn, to complement the carrier’s already award winning crew service.
Fiji Airways has released new schedules for travel throughout 2013 which will mean increased frequencies between Fiji and some of its biggest tourism markets. The new schedules will increase connectivity between the South Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia, and Hong Kong and the USA via Nadi; and the world via the airline’s interline partners.
“Our new schedules, together with our A330-200 fleet, will ensure Fiji Airways has the opportunity to expand its services and bring the world to Fiji. Like never before we are able to offer our customers the best flying experience in the South Pacific,” Mr. Swift added.
The changeover underscores the success of the airline’s turnaround plan, which started in 2010 and has culminated in reversing record losses and significantly growing passengers and revenue without increasing the size of the carrier’s fleet.
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