The company confirms that Fiji has an existing Air Service Agreement (ASA), which allows Fiji Airways to provide services in French territories.

In a statement, Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive officer said: “Based on this agreement, we were able to negotiate with our counterparts in New Caledonia and select a date for the commencement of services between Nadi and Noumea.

“We at Fiji Airways are very excited about the prospects of this new route.”

The first flight to La Tontouta International Airport in Noumea will be on Thursday, November 30 and starting Thursday, December 7, the national carrier will fly twice weekly, every Monday and Thursday.

Fiji Airways is the perfect hub for guests out of New Caledonia, providing a comprehensive network of onward connections to North America, Asia, as well as other Pacific Island countries.

“Furthermore, thanks to our codeshare partners, we can connect New Caledonians to more than 100 destinations around the world. At Fiji Airways, we have consistently strived to expand our regional services because we see ourselves connecting not just Fiji – but the Pacific to the rest of the world”, added Mr Viljoen.

With the introduction of these new services, Fiji Airways will be flying directly to 26 destinations around the world. Noumea is the third new market added to Fiji Airways network since international borders reopened in December 2021.

“We have adopted a robust growth plan with ongoing efforts to add more routes to the network. This is part of our strategic plan to increase revenue and ensure the long term sustainability of the airline,” said Mr Viljoen.

The Fiji Airways brings in 70 per cent of all visitor arrivals into Fiji, and is the largest foreign exchange earner for the economy.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj