National airline Fiji Airways’ inaugural flight to Vancouver had an 88 per cent capacity of passengers taking advantage of Fiji’s direct link to Canada.
Fiji Airways managing director Andre Viljoen said this created a good number for a first flight.
“The inaugural return flight from Vancouver to Nadi has a seat load factor of 88 per cent, that’s huge given that we have only just entered the market. It’s also great news for our tourism industry as well,” he said.
“We are creating a pathway for an entirely new segment which has seen very little traction over the years.
“Canada currently averages fifth on the list of monthly visitor arrivals, there is enormous untapped potential in a country that had more than 12 million residents travelling internationally in 2019.”
He said their passengers flying to the new route would now be able to experience their world-class services.
“Now that flights have commenced, our guests will be able to experience for themselves what sets the national carrier apart.
“They will see that we are committed to working as one to deliver exceptional Fijian experiences at every point of their journey.
“I am confident that many of them will become our champions and spread the message that Fiji Airways should be the airline of choice for Canadians visiting our shores.
“The inaugural flight to Vancouver is carrying Fijians who are travelling to a new country for the first time and those visiting their friends and family after many years apart.
“The absence of a direct flight made it too expensive and too inconvenient to make the 9500 kilometre journey.”
