The Fiji Airways Group today announced the appointments of two Fijians as General Managers in its Engineering and Finance Departments. Peter Bale has been appointed General Manager Engineering and Maintenance. Naomi Vuibureta was appointed earlier this year as the General Manager Financial Planning, Analysis & Business Support.

David Bowden, Fiji Airways’ Acting CEO commented: “We have a strong commitment in Fiji Airways to build capacity and nurture Fijian aviation professionals to take up key positions in the National Airline. Consistent with that commitment, we’ve formalised the appointments of two outstanding candidates to take up General Manager roles within their respective Departments. By joining the executive corps, both Peter and Naomi are a now key members of our leadership group.”

Peter Bale has been with Fiji Airways for 21 years, and has held numerous positions within the airline’s Engineering & Maintenance Department. He was most recently Manager Aircraft Maintenance and Workshops prior to his appointment as General Manager. A licensed aircraft engineer, Peter is one of a select few engineers who can certify all aircraft types currently in the Fiji Airways Group Fleet – from the DHC-6 Twin Otters to the A330s. He takes over the position from Thomas Robinson who is now General Manager of Fiji Link.

As GM Financial Planning, Analysis & Business Support, Naomi Vuibureta now leads Fiji Airways’ business finance partnering, financial forecasts and budgets teams. She is also responsible for the Group’s Five Year Planning, Strategic Analysis & Evaluations. She joined the company in 2012 as Senior Manager Financial Planning & Analysis. Vuibureta has over 10 years in accounting and management experience, commencing as an auditor with KPMG Suva, before moving on to Financial Controller positons at Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited, Digicel Fiji and Digicel Vanuatu. She is a CPA (Australia) qualified accountant, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Financial Management and Economics from the University of the South Pacific.

Mr. Bowden added: “Our business continues to expand and there is always a need to ensure that the executive talent pipeline keeps on identifying Fijians who deserve to join the leadership ranks at Fiji Airways. There’s a strong mentorship programme of work going on in all areas of the business so we can deliver on our commitment to increase the number of qualified Fijians in leadership positions.”