The arrival of the brand new Fiji Airways Airbus A330-300 has been labelled as a proud symbol of a country punching well above its weight regionally and internationally.

Christened the Island of Rotuma, the latest addition to the national airline’s fleet now takes the total Airbus fleet to four consisting of three A330-200 aircraft and one A330-300. The A330-300 is described as a stretched version of the A330-200, has 289 seats in Economy Class, 40 more compared to the 200-series and has 24 Business Class seats.

It also has space for Premium Economy which will be a quiet zone and where there will be no children.

The ferry flight touched down in Nadi at 10am yesterday and was accompanied home by President Jioji Konousi Konrote and his wife, Sarote Konrote.

Mr Konrote stressed this aircraft was more than “Just another plane for another airline customer.

“This aircraft is more than just another addition to the fleet of our national airline. It is a symbol of a modern, progressive nation, which remains proud of its roots, culture and identity, while moving with the times to embrace the opportunities of future.

“This aircraft will bring real economic opportunities for our people, because almost 65 per cent of all visitors who travel to Fiji travel on Fiji Airways.

“And the more seats we have, and the better our service and overall flight experience, the more we will be able to attract more travellers. We are competing in the premier division of air travel, and we want to win.”

Tourism industry

Mr Konrote said we are proud to be one of the world’s most sought after destinations and have a world-class airline to bring more people to our beloved country.

“The overall tourist experience we offer must begin the moment a person checks in at a Fiji Airways counter and intensify as he or she steps aboard a Fiji Airways airliner,” he said.

“And that experience must be characterised by comfort, modernity, hospitality, and complete peace of mind.

“We are selling an experience, an experience people should want to repeat over and over, an experience they will want their friends and family to know and share.

“So our national airline isn’t just a vehicle that gets them to that experience; it is an integral part of it.”

The additional aircraft automatically translates to an increase in the number of passengers and an increase in hotel occupancy.  Mr Konrote said it also means sustainability in the tourism industry, more profits, more employment opportunities and happier Fijians.

Behind the name

Mr Konrote proudly announced the name given to the newest addition to the Fiji Airways family – Island of Rotuma.

He noted: “Like many other Fijians, Fijians of Rotuman descent throughout the generations have contributed and continue to contribute proudly to our beloved nation.

“They are doctors, lawyers, teachers, professors, sports stars, engineers and a part of every facet of our Fijian society.

“By christening this Airbus after their island, we are honouring their contribution to our country. we are showing our commitment to the development of the island, just as we are doing to every part of our beloved country Fiji.

“I am sure that all Fijians of Rotuman descent will join the rest of the country in sharing their pride every time they see this aircraft.”