Fiji Airways eyes mid-2026 trials for game-changing VTOL aircraft

Fiji Airways is preparing to trial vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOLs) that could transform island connectivity across the country.

Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Akuila Batiweti said the airline’s ninth project, the ODYS VTOLs, is among its most exciting innovations to date.

“We believe these should be ready for trial runs by the middle to end of next year,” he said.

Batiweti highlighted the challenges of air access to remote islands, particularly the Yasawas, where limited landing strips restrict operations of Twin Otters and other aircraft.

“Many hotels can’t bring in guests by air, and some visitors spend up to four hours on a boat heading north. The same problem applies to transporting medical supplies and other essentials,” he explained.

Currently, transport options are limited to a handful of helicopters or seaplanes, the latter of which are often grounded when waters are too choppy.

To address this, Fiji Airways partnered with Long Beach–based Odys two years ago. A prototype is now complete, with company executives set to inspect it next week before trials commence.

The ODYS VTOL will carry up to nine passengers and can land on any helipad without the need for a runway.

“This is a real game changer for us, as it means we can take tourists and locals directly to hotels, much like a domestic flight,” Batiweti said.

The airline is also looking at a smaller, fully autonomous version called Laila, designed specifically for urgent deliveries, including medical supplies.

With a range of just over 400 miles (640 kilometers), the ODYS VTOL covers nearly all of Fiji. Its efficiency could also slash costs.

“For comparison, a Twin Otter takes about 14 to 19 passengers, but per-seat costs on the VTOL are around 76% less,” Batiweti said.

Fiji Airways is positioning itself to be one of the first airlines globally to launch the technology.

“We want to be among the first to launch this innovation. By the next time you visit, you may even see a simulator here,” Batiweti added.