DECEMBER 14TH, 2014

FIJI AIRWAYS EXPANDS NETWORK WITH NEW WELLINGTON – NADI ROUTE

15 December 2014. NADI, FIJI: Fiji Airways is expanding its network with the introduction of a new route between Wellington and Nadi, in June 2015.

This is one of the most significant new routes recently announced by Fiji Airways, and reflects the airline’s strong performance both globally and in New Zealand.

Fiji Airways is now the only airline flying directly between Wellington and Fiji all year-round.

The new service will run twice weekly, departing Wellington on Thursday and Sunday, starting 25 June 2015.

Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO Stefan Pichler says New Zealand is an incredibly important market for Fiji Airways, and the introduction of this new route is testament to Fiji Airways’ strong performance in this market.

“We announced earlier this year in our five-year strategic plan that we were committed to increasing capacity between New Zealand and Fiji. The introduction of this new route reflects our commitment to the New Zealand market, and in growing our global network,” says Mr Pichler.

“We also recently announced that Fiji Airways was doubling its capacity to Christchurch from next winter, with the weekly Saturday flight complemented by a permanent additional service on Tuesdays, from 23 June 2015.

“Widening our route network and increasing inbound visitor numbers to Fiji has strong benefits for the local travel industry and for Fiji as a unique destination.”

The new Wellington-Nadi route opens up an additional 328 seats per week between New Zealand and Fiji. It will also provide Wellingtonians with an opportunity to conveniently connect on Apia, as well as to Los Angeles and other North American cities, via Nadi.

Wellington Airport Chief Executive, Steve Sanderson says: “We have worked with Fiji Airways for a number of years on the opportunity the Wellington market presents and are delighted they have committed to the region. This service will be extremely popular both here and in Fiji, for holiday makers and everyone visiting family and friends” said Mr Sanderson.

Wellington residents travelling to Fiji and to the United States have grown by more than 20% over the last two years. United States visitors using Wellington as their New Zealand point of entry has increase by 35% over the same period.

“The new service to Fiji, which will add up to 34,000 seats to Wellington’s market, really demonstrates the demand and growth in international traffic to and from Wellington,” said Mr Sanderson.

Fiji Airways operates up to 13 weekly services between Auckland and Fiji, and two weekly services between Christchurch as Nadi. Fiji Airways is the only airline to offer child discounted airfares as well as a daily business class travel option directly from New Zealand to Fiji.