Fiji Airways plans to boost frequencies to Australia and New Zealand after taking delivery a fifth Boeing 737 this week.
The leased 737, named Island of Ovalau and with registration DQ-FJN, landed at Nadi on Wednesday from the Netherlands, Fiji Airways said in a statement.
Fiji Airways chairman Nalin Patel said the arrival of the Boeing narrowbody, which is on lease from AerCap and previously flew with Air Berlin, would help strengthen the airline’s position as the aviation leader in the Pacific.
“This new aircraft comes at an important time for us,” Patel said.
“It will contribute straight-away to our network, as we prepare to start direct services between Wellington and Nadi from June 25th 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.
“With this addition to our fleet we become larger and stronger.”
The airline also planned to add more daylight flights to Brisbane and boost service to Sydney and Auckland.
The arrival of DQ-FJN, which is configured with eight business and 172 economy class seats, lifts Fiji Airways’ fleet to eight aircraft comprising four Boeing 737-800s, one 737-700 and three Airbus A330-200 widebodies.
The airline said in January it would also take delivery of an Airbus A330-300 in December.
