RACHNA LAL
SUVA
The general manager of Pacific Sun, soon to be rebranded Fiji Link, Shaenaz Voss, has taken delivery of the airline’s latest addition to their fleet – the brand new ATR 72-600.
Ms Voss managed the handover of the aircraft which is under a 12-year lease agreement in Toulouse, France, on behalf of the Fiji Airways Group on Monday.
Fiji Airways managing director/chief executive, Stefan Pichler, said the aircraft has taken an interesting journey from France making six stops in total.
The new aircraft will be flown from Toulouse, France to Egypt, Oman, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and then to Australia (Darwin and Brisbane).
“It lands at Nausori International Airport at 10am on Friday morning,” Mr Pichler said.
Friday will be an exciting day for the Fiji Airways Group for two reasons.
“We’re welcoming a new flagship aircraft for our domestic and regional subsidiary, and rebranding it from Pacific Sun to Fiji Link,” Mr Pichler said.
“Fair to say that our Fiji Airways/Fiji Link teams are all excited about it.”
Mr Pichler further confirmed the newly-leased aircraft will make its first commercial flight on June 15.
“This is the start of our new direct Suva-Apia flights,” he said.
Product and routes
Mr Pichler stressed the ATR 72-600 is the aircraft of choice for many regional airlines, and are used in South Pacific region already.
“We have no doubt this is an efficient aircraft where we should get higher utilisation than with the current ATRs,” he said.
“This will help us to further strengthen our South Pacific and our domestic network.”
The new aircraft will not only help Fiji Link grow, but it has also contributed to Avation PLC’s growth strategy further expanding their customer base.
Avation PLC executive chairman, Jeff Chatfield, said: “This new aircraft immediately contributes positively to the continuing growth of the company’s revenues and profits with expansion of our leased aircraft asset base.”
The airline has already announced new direct Suva-Apia flights utilising the aircraft, and will also use it between Nadi and Suva and from Nadi and Suva to Port Vila.
“Furthermore, we will fly Nadi-Tonga and Nadi-Apia. So, our new ATR 72-600 will free up B737 capacity as well as replace some ATR 42 flying,” he said.
Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.fj
