Former Virgin Blue executive to head Fiji Airways

Former Virgin Blue executive to head Fiji Airways
By admin


The chief executive of Kuwait carrier Jazeera Airways and former Virgin Blue executive, Stefan Pichler, has been named the new managing director and CEO of Fiji Airways.

He will join the airline on September 1.

Germany-born Pichler joined Jazeera Airways in 2009 and helped transform it from a low cost carrier to a regional network airline, achieving the highest operating profit margins in the industry in 2011 and 2012.

Prior to joining Jazeera, Pichler spent five years with Virgin Blue as chief commercial officer and chairman of V Australia.

Fiji Airways chairman, Nalin Patel, said Pichler has a strong track record in turning businesses around and “growing them to new levels”.

“He has extensive global experience not only in all airline business models but also in the tourism industry,” he said.

Pichler was also chief executive of Thomas Cook and held senior roles with Lufthansa.

He will take over at Fiji Airways from acting chief executive and chief commercial officer Aubrey Swift who stepped into the role following the departure earlier this year of Dave Pflieger.

"I am excited to join Fiji Airways on the road ahead to build a bright future, based on a strong brand and a dedicated team," Pichler said. "Together we can build a company which every Fijian can be proud of."

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]