Bula new beginnings! Bula Fiji! Virgin Australia has restarted international flights, today operating the first of the airline’s daily Fiji services since being relaunched 12 months ago.
The inaugural flight, departing Sydney International Airport this morning, was sent off in spectacular style, with Virgin Australia CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka marking the occasion with a departure gate launch party to remember.
Passengers were treated to branded coconuts, free beach tote bags by Australian resort-wear brand Double Rainbouu, tropical Boost juices, and a performance by Fijian-Australian and 2022 Eurovision contestant, Paulini Curuenavuli, who sang a rendition of Madonna’s ‘Like A Virgin’ before a traditional Fijian song.
For the final departing gift, CEO Jayne Hrdlicka announced that all passengers would each receive a free Economy return flight anywhere on the Virgin Australia domestic network, as a thank you for their support and loyalty.
Speaking from Sydney International Airport, Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka acknowledged the significant milestone.
“Today is a significant day for Virgin Australia and our wonderful team members with the commencement of our first international flight since our relaunch 12 months ago,” said Ms Hrdlicka.
“Australians love Fiji and Virgin Australia is getting travellers there at great value. Prior to the pandemic, Virgin Australia held the highest market share of any other Australian carrier for services operated to Fiji and we aim to continue being very competitive.
“We also know how important it is to our guests that we have a comprehensive network of flights operated by Virgin Australia and our partner airlines, so they can explore the world and build their businesses.
“Earlier this week we launched a fantastic new partnership with United Airlines which significantly increases our reach into the Americas. This is another great example of how we are doing things differently to create more travel opportunities for our customers to destinations all around the world.
“The mood in the airport has been electric today. It’s really heart-warming to see how excited our guests are to be travelling overseas again. We also love surprising and delighting our guests and it was great to see the looks on their faces when we gifted everyone a free return Economy flight anywhere on the Virgin Australia domestic network.
“As a business we’re going from strength to strength, and today’s flight is another big step forward in our transformation journey and demonstrates our commitment to our team and our guests,” she said.
Many of the airline’s crew that have recently returned to work were in attendance, with the event a celebration for not only travelling passengers but the airline, as it marks another positive step forward in the recovery of the aviation and tourism industries.
Virgin Australia is scheduled to expand its international network over the coming months, with the resumption of services between Melbourne and Brisbane and Fiji, before returning to Bali and Queenstown, New Zealand in the new year.
Flash $369* Fiji return sale
To celebrate the return of Virgin Australia international flights, Virgin Australia has dropped a 48-hour snap Fiji sale with return Economy fares available from as low as $369* between Sydney and Fiji.
But hurry! The Sale fares are available to book now at virginaustralia.com until midnight this Friday 17 December 2021, or until sold out.
Many resorts are booking out, and according to a report by Luxury Escapes, 39% of all bookings made to Fiji have been made for the month of December and 29% of all bookings made to Fiji have been made for January, with 2022 quickly filling as well, which is a real boost for the tourism industry after two years of virtually no tourism.
If you’re thinking about travelling to paradise and back, but not sure what you need to do, we’ve put together this handy guide with all the things you need to know before you travel.