Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen says the former government was “very keen” to introduce flights to Singapore despite the airline’s hesitation.
Speaking on The Fiji Times news portal The Lens@177, he said the national carrier was hesitant because “it wasn’t best for the airline”.
“The previous government was very keen we start flights to Singapore, and we took a stand that it wasn’t best for the airline initially because Singapore is a connecting market,” Mr Viljoen said.
“Not a lot of connectors, point-to-point tourists coming, but they gave us a subsidy for two years of $20 million to get it going.
“So yes, they come in and they have a strong case, but we always protect the airline and take a stand where we need to.
“We’re loyal to the airline and we do what’s best for the airline, and sometimes you do get requests that you got to stand back and discuss on it.”
Mr Viljoen said the Singapore route was profitable and “experiences strong bookings”.
“Singapore is a vital route for Fiji Airways providing a convenient transit point for guests with multiple connections before they reach Fiji or vice versa for customers flying out of Nadi.”
Fiji Airways’ 10-hour direct flights from Nadi International Airport to Singapore began in April 2016.
