The Boeing 737-800 which joined the Fiji Airways fleet yesterday is expected to make our national airline larger and stronger.

Fiji Airways chairman, Nalin Patel, believes the airline will be able to further strengthen its position as the leader in aviation in the Pacific.

“It aids us in developing partnerships within the region, like the recently announced codeshare with Air Vanuatu and partnerships we are looking to put in place in Tonga,” he said.

The ‘Island of Ovalau’ touched down at the Fiji Airways Hangar in Nadi yesterday morning, having left the Netherlands last weekend.

Mr Patel said the aircraft will contribute straight-away to its network as it will undertake its first flight tomorrow to Auckland.

The aircraft features the national airline’s award-winning livery and designs. It comprises of eight Business Class seats and 162 Economy Class seats.

Fiji Airways prepares to start direct services between Wellington and Nadi from June 25 on Thursdays and Sundays all year around.

“This aircraft will also allow us to add an extra service from Christchurch, also making that a twice-weekly connection to Fiji all year round as well,” he said.

Fiji Airways will also be able to add more daylight flights to Brisbane, as well as extra frequencies on Fiji Airways’ busy Auckland and Sydney routes.

Meanwhile, another Airbus A330-300 will provide a further boost to the airline’s fleet once it arrives in December.

Minister for Finance and Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said the aircraft will the airline increase frequencies and help go to new destinations.

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