Those familiar with Fiji, may know Beqa as the large island just south of Viti Levu, the country’s main island. It’s now also the name of Fiji Airways’ newest A350, which touched down in Nadi today.
The Island of Beqa is the third A350-900XWB to join Fiji’s fleet and brings an extra 30,000 seats a month across FJ’s network. Its arrival also marks the commencement of A350 services between Melbourne and Nadi – a first for any airline.
The new Airbus jet will initially fly two of FJ’s ten-times-weekly ex-Melbourne flights.
Elsewhere, Fiji Airways will utilise its A350 on at least one of its twice-daily flights out of Sydney, increasing capacity from the airline’s most popular Australian port.
Auckland, Hong Kong, San Francisco and Vancouver will also welcome the Island of Beqa.
“The A350, with its superior cabin, significant fuel savings and substantial cargo capacity, has fast become the pride of our airline and the joy of our passengers,” Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Andre Viljoen said.
Viljoen added that the airline would also explore new destinations with the ultra-long-haul aircraft, which is capable of flying 300 passengers up to 15,000 kilometres.
New routes?
One of its goals is to capture more of the lucrative US market – for itself and Fijian tourism – with nonstop flights to Dallas and Seattle currently under exploration.
But the carrier also hinted at potential flights down the track to Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Noumea, Wallis, Rarotonga, Port Moresby and “several additional destinations in Australia”. Read our review of Fiji Airways’ first flight between Canberra and Nadi.
“Fiji Airways brings in 70 percent of all visitors to Fiji. We are crucial to the long-term sustainable growth of the tourism industry, which is 45 percent of our Gross Domestic Product and the largest employer in the country,” Viljoen said.
“As the national airline, we recognise our role is not just to be the bridge to and from the world but to support the growth of tourism, and one of the ways we can do this is by introducing new destinations with potential for high tourism opportunities.”
The 350 difference
According to the Fiji Airways boss, the new A350 “combines the very latest aerodynamics, new generation engines and use of lightweight materials, to bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and operating costs compared to previous generation aircraft”.
It also offers flyers enhanced dining (with guests offered a choice of three hot meals), more entertainment (including new Disney and HBO viewing options) and new wellness content “so guests arrive at their destination refreshed and rejuvenated”.
To mark the arrival of Beqa, FJ is offering up to 15 per cent off economy fares to Fiji and beyond until 31 August (conditions apply).
For more information, visit fijiairways.com.
Read our review of Fiji Airways’ Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport.
