Have you flown the new Fiji Airways yet? We got the chance to check it out, and in style too.
The details
Flight: FJ901 Sydney to Nadi
When: Wednesday 27 November
Aircraft: A330 Airbus
Class: Business (Tabua)
Configuration: 2-2-2
Seat: 1k
KarryOn star rating: 4/5
Checking in
Check-in is quick and easy, there’s hardly anyone here and staff are friendly and attentive. Already I’ve had my first Bula! which gives me that holiday feeling before I’ve even got on the plane. Vinaka!
At the airport
The great thing about flying Fiji Airways is that because they’re part of OneWorld, you can access the Qantas Club Lounge on a business ticket or as a Qantas Club member, so it’s a luxury to enjoy a made-to-order latte and some delicious food in the comfy lounge before departure.
Onboard the plane
The newly branded Fiji Airways (launched in June 2013) is light years away from the old Air Pacific brand, which becomes abundantly clear the minute you spot the plane’s new livery. Where before the holiday blaze of colour took the lead, the new Fiji Airways features a contemporary, clean white feel with black motif details created by locally renowned Fijian Masi artist Makereta Matemosi.
Walking on-board the newness continues in the business class cabin with beautiful off white, very comfy leather seats and motif cushions. I’ve never flown on a plane that smelled so new before! It felt like I was in a new car (definitely not a bad thing). The seat reclines all the way to a fully lie flat bed and my only disappointment is not getting to sleep given it’s only a three and a half hour flight to the holiday isle.
The new entertainment system is also ahead of the old Air Pacific 747’s, with a good 15’ sized screen full of Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters and TV shows. In true business class fashion I’ve got work to do so I skip the movies, recline the seat a little and comfortably work off my laptop for most of the flight.
There are USB and power ports as well as drinks holders and my flight was even kid free up the front – a rarity on any flight to Fiji – and as a dad I’m selfishly thankful for it on this occasion as it means I can get on with my work uninterrupted. Though later, the PA reminds me to … “sit back, relax and enjoy Fiji time”.
Staff
Fiji is renowned for great service and big smiles and this Fiji Airways flight is no exception. Unlike other airlines though, the service is a lot more low key and unpretentious, which for some people who may be accustomed to over-the-top pampering, it may be an expectation not matched.
Actually if I were flying with anyone else up the front, it might be the case for me too. However, this is Fiji and the quicker you relax and get into Fiji time; the more you’ll enjoy your holiday, so the service for me is just perfect.
Food
Lunch is a chicken curry with a warm roti and salad served with warm bread and a cappuccino ice cream for dessert. It’s tasty and hot, yet again, I’d point out it comes without the white tablecloth and any choices other than white or red for wine.
The big plus though is that it’s quickly served and then taken away when I’m finished which for me is great, given it’s back to work. All with a big smile I might add.
Did you know?
This isn’t the first time Fiji’s national airline was called “Fiji Airways”. In fact, it’s a return back to its original 1958 name. The name change and rebranding (including a brand new fleet of Airbus A330’s and the newly designed identity) is the latest and final step in a turnaround plan for the airline that began in 2010.