Fiji's National airline, Air Pacific premiered the new look of its new Airbus A330-200 aircraft to the world in style last night.
Led by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and Air Pacific Chief Executive Officer Dave Pflieger the new look was launched to much pomp and ceremony.
Speaking at the launch, Commodore Bainimarama said the designs adorning the Airbus aircraft arriving in June was something all Fijians could be proud of.
"It's a matter of great pride to me that the design came from within Fiji by a woman named Makereta Matemosi," Commodore Bainimarama said.
"Her masi design will appear on state-of-the-art jets in airports landing across the Pacific.
"Vinaka Vakalevu Makereta for creating a design that all Fijians can be proud of," he said.
Commodore Bainimarama said it was a cause of great national pride that Air Pacific was still running while other Pacific airlines were not.
"When my government took office, Air Pacific badly needed reforming, we had to run the company more efficiently, free up its labour market and alter certain work practices," Commodore Bainimarama said.
He said government reforms as well as the hardworking team at Air Pacific had turned the airline around from running at an alarming loss, to making a highly encouraging profit. And he also assured Air Pacific staff that they would get a piece of the profits — thanks to ongoing reforms at the national airline.
Mr Pflieger said the launch marked one of many firsts for the national airline adding these firsts would bode well for the airline workers and the country.
"Ultimately our "new horizons" will enhance the quality of life of all Fijians, as we help Fiji's economy strengthen and grow," Mr Pflieger said.