Fiji Link’s customers in Labasa are expected to be the ones to experience the airline’s brand new ATR 42-600 the most.

The new aircraft made the long journey from Toulouse in France arriving at its new home here yesterday evening.

Its arrival is in line with Fiji Airways’ Five-Year-Masterplan to increase its fleet size by 25 per cent and expand relevant Fiji Link capacity by 12.3 per cent in the domestic market.

Fiji Link general manager, Shaenaz Voss, said: “Our customers from Labasa will actually get to experience this aircraft quite a lot due to its flying schedule.

“We hope to get even better reliability from the new aircraft. This newest series of the ATR 42 seats 40 passengers and is among the latest in regional aircraft operations.

“A lot of hard work from Fiji Link, Fiji Airways and our regulators CAAF has enabled this acquisition and I’m grateful to everyone for their assistance.”

 Working towards goal

Fiji Airways Group managing director/chief executive, Stefan Pichler, said: “We have set ourselves the goal to become a leading boutique airline with prudent and sustainable capacity increases across our network.

“Bringing in new aircraft such as this new ATR42 will help us in our capacity requirements also in the domestic and regional markets, as well provide our passengers the friendly Fiji Link hospitality in the comfort of a new plane.”

Leased from Denmark-based Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the aircraft will service Fiji Link’s domestic routes between Nadi, Suva and Labasa, along with some regional flights on behalf of Fiji Airways.

Excitement amidst staff

The aircraft was greeted by Fiji Link staff and Fiji Airways with a traditional welcome and cere ceremony.

Mr Pichler said there is always a great deal of excitement among the staff whenever they receive a new member joining their aircraft fleet.

“Over the past two years we have received five aircraft between Fiji Airways and Fiji Link, but the excitement hasn’t died down,” he said.

“Our team knows that the new aircraft mean we as a company are growing and progressing.”

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