After a decade of leading Fiji Airways, Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen has decided to call it a day. Viljoen will depart the carrier in October 2025, at which time he will return to his former position as CEO at Air Mauritius.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire Fiji Airways Group, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Andre for his outstanding leadership over the past 10 years,” Fiji Airways Chairman Nalin Patel said in a statement.
“Under his stewardship, Fiji Airways has undergone a remarkable transformation.
“The airline’s SKYTRAX Rating improved to 4 Stars, with its global ranking soaring from 102nd in 2015 to an impressive 14th in 2024.
“Fiji Airways was awarded ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for two consecutive years and earned the APEX 5 Star Major Airline rating for three years running.
“The fleet has doubled in size, from 12 aircraft in 2015 to 24 today, including four new generation Airbus A350s, widely recognised as among the most modern and fuel-efficient commercial aircraft in the world.”
Indeed, the outgoing boss oversaw a prosperous period for the airline.
“Annual revenue has grown significantly, from FJ$ 815.3 million in 2015 to FJ$ 1.9 billion in 2024,” Patel remarked.
“Among his many accomplishments, Mr Viljoen also led the development of our world-class Aviation Academy, now home to four state-of-the-art full-flight simulators.
“This initiative has not only enhanced cost efficiency but also raised the standard of pilot training by supporting more Fijians to become captains and attracting major third-party clients such as Air Tahiti, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.”
Viljoen also steered the Fijian carrier through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mr Viljoen’s visionary ‘Future-Fit Ready Strategy’ ensured the airline’s survival and rapid recovery once borders reopened,” the chairman added.
“Thanks to this proactive approach, Fiji Airways was the first to resume services when borders reopened in Australia and New Zealand.
“This positioned us for exceptional post-COVID growth, resulting in record passenger numbers and financial performance in 2023.”
According to Patel, Viljoen will remain on the FJ board after his transition. The airline will shortly commence the search for a successor. For a relatively small airline, they’ll have big shoes to fill.
“We once again thank Andre for his extraordinary service and wish him continued success in his new role.”
Fiji Airways’ newest Aussie route kicked off in April 2025 between Cairns and Nadi.
The carrier also recently joined the oneworld airline alliance as a full member.
