On a typically crisp Canberra winter’s day, Fiji Airways launched its inaugural Canberra-Nadi service, with the promise of first-class Fijian service and, indeed, warmer temps than the capital (at least at this time of year).
Canberra is the latest international destination to join the growing Fiji Airways network, which now extends to five cities across Australia. That gives it more reach in Australia than just about any other overseas carrier.
Departing at 1335 local time, the first flight also marks the long-awaited return of international services to Canberra, which last saw overseas flights in March 2020.
With the first flight arriving in Nadi at 1940 (FJT), Fiji Airways will utilise its B737 MAX 8 aircraft on the route. The return leg departs Nadi at 0930 and touches down in Canberra at 1235.
FJ will operate the Canberra service (FJ950/1) twice per week (on Tuesday and Friday) but has already confirmed it will add a third weekly flight (on Sunday) from 1 October 2023.
The national carrier says it has seen strong forward bookings for the new service, which it believes will further boost tourism and trade between Fiji and Australia.
“Strong uptake”
Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Andre Viljoen said the carrier was “thrilled with the strong uptake” of the new route.
“The new direct service from Canberra will provide customers with enhanced connectivity and convenience, offering seamless access between the stunning islands of Fiji and the capital city of Australia,” he said.
“It also opens up a new transit point for the people of Canberra to travel onwards to other parts of the world, including North America, Vancouver and East Asia.
“It will undoubtedly boost the tourism industry in both countries and will open up further opportunities for Australians to explore the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality that Fiji has to offer.
“Additionally, it will provide a convenient gateway for Fijians to discover the unique attractions and experiences Canberra has in store.”
Viljoen also flagged Fiji Airways’ position as the first international carrier to return to Canberra post-pandemic.
“Our extensive network, coupled with our commitment to exceptional service, are likely some of the reasons we’ve been named the SKYTRAX Best Airline and Best Airline Staff in Australia and the Pacific,” he added.
ACT ready to jet abroad
In an interview with Karryon, Canberra Airport Managing Director Stephen Byron said the airport had “long courted Fiji Airways to fly to Canberra”.
“We love our winters in Canberra, but one of the great things about our seasonal climate here is the ability to go away and go somewhere warm. Canberrans love Queensland but I think they’re gonna love Fiji even more now that we’ve got this direct flight,” he said.
“As we know from holidays, the ability to fly direct and not have to transfer through airports makes it easier for families and all travellers. So this is what we’ve been looking for.
“It’s a two-hour layover if you want to get to LA; it’s a 2.5-hour layover if you want to get to San Francisco. So you can be [in North America] 16 hours after leaving Canberra. And of course, you can also pair it with doing two or three days in Fiji.
“Ten weeks after today’s launch, they’ll have not two flights a week but three flights a week. So the demand, the bookings are strong. And I think it bodes well for the long-term success of this service but also other international services.”
To mark the new service, Fiji Airways has Lite airfares from just AUD$539 via fijiairways.com until 31 July 2023.
In an interview with Karryon at the Fiji Tourism Exchange (FTE) in May, Fiji Airways Executive Manager of Global Sales, Marketing & Digital Akuila Batiweti said the carrier hoped to unveil even more Aussie destinations this year, which would bring the total number of Australian ports to six or seven.
Read our review of Fiji Airways’ Premier Lounge at Nadi Airport.
