Helicopters Fiji staff. From left: Cameron Craig, helicopter engineer, John Ambler, general manager Pacific Island Air and Tim Gibson, operations manager and pilot. They are pictured with the twin engine Squirrel helicopter DQ-HFJ.
By RACHNA LAL
Nadi-based Pacific Island Air & Seaplanes and Helicopters (Fiji) has new owners – John Currie and sons.
The family also own New Zealand’s air emergency medical service, Garden City Helicopters Limited. In addition, they also own and operate Vanuatu Helicopters Limited.
Pacific Island Air & Seaplanes has been operating in Fiji for 14 years with both fixed wing aircraft and seaplanes.
In an statement, the company said it saw an opportunity to purchase the established seaplane operation with existing experienced staff and add helicopters to the company’s fleet in Fiji.
Garden City Helicopters is one of the regions most experienced aviation companies with over 29 years’ experience, providing helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operations with Platinum safety record.
The two companies will be marketed under one umbrella company – Pacific Island Air.
This is expected to enable clients to book with one operator who can deliver all three modes of air transfer.
Planes in operation
New general manager, John Ambler, said having one operator provide all three modes of air transfer was a first for Fiji.
“We are positive about the future opportunities,” he said.
“We currently operate one six-passenger twin engine Squirrel helicopter, two four-passenger Beaver seaplanes as well as two twin engine Islander planes seating eight passengers.”
New Otter seaplane
Mr Ambler revealed another announcement can be expected soon about their new eight-seat Otter seaplane which has arrive from Canada and will go online next month.
“We have the flexibility and capability of flying to any destination in Fiji, so passengers can fly by seaplane one way and return by helicopter, offering two different experiences from one operator,” he said.
Expansion plans
The company is based at Nadi airport with a check-in desk at the domestic terminal.
Other expansion plans for the company includes building a new hangar at the current base opposite the Nadi airport terminal.
This is expected to be large enough to house all new aircraft and a brand new comfortable air-conditioned lounge to accommodate guests before they depart on their domestic or international flights.
Mr Ambler said: “We are extremely excited to bring some serious competition to the marketplace in Fiji which will be to the benefit of all.”
The company has plans to develop a further site near Denerau which will offer scenic flights, day trips to the islands.
They have partnered with other tourist operators to offer exciting adventure packages and activities.