IT was a Christmas celebration like no other for a group of orphans and special needs children as they witnessed another historic milestone for Fiji Airways as it welcomed its second Airbus A350-900 XWB last night.
Joining government dignitaries, Fiji Airways staff members and well-wishers, the children were special guests at the official welcome of the new bird.
The Island of Vanua Levu features 33 fully lie-flat beds in the business cabin and 301 economy seats that are among the most comfortable in the market.
It features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions.
Fiji Airways executive general manager corporate affairs Shaenaz Voss highlighted the airline’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Our two A350s will burn 25 per cent less fuel, meaning significantly reduced CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft,” she said.
“This is important for Fiji Airways and Fiji. And there’s more we are doing for conservation.
“Our every take-off, one tree initiative has seen us plant 27,000 trees since 2017. By the end of 2019, we will have planted over 33,000.”
The Island of Vanua Levu will undertake its first commercial service this Wednesday, operating the Nadi-Auckland (FJ411) and Auckland-Nadi (FJ410) sectors.
