Fiji Airways A330 takes off from Brisbane
Air Pacific has operated its first flight out of Australia as Fiji Airways and is confident the new brand will be a 'winning formula'.
An Airbus A330 service flew from Brisbane to Nadi under the Fiji Airways livery last night, with the new brand set to be fully launched in June.
Air Pacific chief commercial officer Aubrey Swift predicted the new name would have "real traction and pull" in the marketplace.
"It will enable us to gain market share and be known as the carrier to go to Fiji with," he said.
New aircraft, uniforms, service and product represent the final stages of the airline's turnaround strategy designed to improve the airline's fortunes after record losses three years ago.
This is a transition year for the airline, according to Swift, but he believes it will be a profitable one.
"The rebrand is vital for us as an airline and its very important for the Fijian economy," he said. "It means realigning ourselves and making sure we are ambassadors to Fiji."
With tourism representing one third of the island nation's GDP, both Tourism Fiji and Brisbane Airport have underlined their commitment to the new brand.
Brisbane was chosen as the first Australian departure point for the new aircraft as the state represents a significant portion of inbound tourism.
Air Pacific chief executive Dave Pflieger was optimistic the changes would fuel further growth in visitation.
"It is our hope that our new state of the art wide body planes will be able to bring even more visitors from Queensland to Fiji," he said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air pacific airlines aubrey swift brisbane dave pflieger fiji fiji airwaysLatest News
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