FIJI'S first brand-new Airbus A330-200 aircraft has been christened Island of Taveuni.
Speaking at the arrival of Air Pacific's proud new purchase, outgoing chief executive officer and managing director David Pflieger said the naming of the aircraft was in line with the national carrier's efforts to showcase the islands that made up the country.
"Naming our first brand- new Airbus A330, an icon for our airline, after another Fijian icon has great historical and significant importance for our airline.
"As the flag carrier and national airline of Fiji, we're committed to bringing attention to the nation's beautiful outer islands, many of which have distinct and unique attractions and attributes," he said.
"That our first new Airbus A330 will continue this proud tradition by carrying the name of Fiji's Garden Island underscores the importance of being the nation's flying ambassador to the world, an honour we take very seriously," he added. President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, who was on the aircraft on its final leg from Hong Kong to Fiji, gave the Airbus makers a big thumbs up for manufacturing a comfortable, modern and efficient aircraft that Fiji could be proud of.
"I am also proud to reveal that our next Airbus will be named Namuka-i-Lau in honour of the person that designed our unique logo, Makareta Matemosi," Ratu Epeli said.