Fiji Airways unveils five-year plan

Fiji Airways unveils five-year plan
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Fiji Airways will grow capacity between Fiji and Australia by almost 30% over the next five years as part of an aggressive plan to improve the financial performance of the airline.

The carrier today detailed its long term strategic blueprint, approved by the board last month, with more aircraft, seats, routes, passengers and airline partnerships all in the mix.

Chief executive Stefan Pichler said the financial target is to increase operating profit to more than FJD$100 million, a figure based on current fuel prices and exchange rates.

Key to achieving its aim will be to grow its fleet by 25% by 2017, with the purchase or lease of another A330-200, two B737-800s and two ATR72-600s, one of which will replace an existing ATR42-500.

The expanded number of aircraft will help increase capacity by 35% and the number of passengers by 39% over the next five years.

Capacity between Fiji and Australia is expected to climb 28.4%, Asia 144%, Pacific Islands 86.6%, New Zealand 58.9% and domestic 12.3%. US routes are likely to see a capacity decrease of 4.7%.

Pichler said it will not adopt a “trial and error” approach, with the carrier focused on establishing routes and airline partnerships that will last.

“Selection and timings of new routes will depend on detailed scheduling studies together with interlining and codesharing opportunities and we will announce these as they are finalised,” he said.

New direct routes between Sydney and Suva and Apia and Suva have already been announced.

The ambition is to become a “world class boutique airline” which must be matched by a solid financial growth plan, Pichler said.

“We need to be sustainably profitable and have a healthy cash flow to pay off our debts and fund new aircraft,” he said.

The carrier also said a key plank of its future will be to build and maintain a loyal workforce and to provide opportunities for Fijians.

Total staff numbers will grow 28.5% with Pichler pledging to invest in a trainee and training program for locals.

“Part of our vision for 2017 is to be the employer of choice for Fijians,” he said.

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