BUYING brand new aircraft has given Air Pacific and Fiji Airways, as it soon will be known, a chance to deck out aeroplanes with uniquely Fijian designs and decor.
Speaking at the launch of the Fiji Airways logo at the Sheraton Fiji Resort last week, Air Pacific CEO David Pflieger said under previous lease agreements, interior design and layout were limited.
"I can't thank the Prime Minister and aviation minister enough for the support from the country and government to enable us to do this," he said.
"For the first time in our 65-year corporate history, we're buying brand new wide-body airlines which will enable us to design and theme our airplanes, making them uniquely Fijian and making our airline a flying ambassador for Fiji." Mr Pflieger said the three Boeing aircraft that were being retired from service had served the national carrier well but also had design and decor limitations.
"Our 747s came from Singapore Airlines and the 767 came from Qantas. By buying brand new wide-body aircraft we are going to be able to fly and represent Fiji all around the world.
"This is important when taking into consideration the analogies that are out there you've got Singapore Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Tahiti, Japan Airlines and British Airways - national carriers have the national name on the side of their aircraft."
Fiji Airways first Airbus A330-200 series aircraft arrives in March next year. Delivery of the state-of-the-art fly-by-wire aeroplane will be followed by another in May with the final arrival in November.