Fiji Airways has today announced plans to expand and upgrade Fiji Link’s Twin Otter fleet, allowing for increased frequencies to key domestic routes like Savusavu and Taveuni.
The airline will purchase three brand new latest model DHC‑6 Series 400 Twin Otters from manufacturer Viking Air Limited, to replace two of its existing three Series 300 aircraft.
This will increase the Twin Otter fleet to four aircraft.
Fiji Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen says the investment is in line with the overall modernisation of the entire Group fleet.
He says with more aircraft, they can increase daily flights to key local destinations.
Viljoen says their capacity to Savusavu and Taveuni will grow by 30%, which will be welcome news to tourism operators in these regions.
He says this is a reflection of Fiji Airways’ commitment to the Fijian tourism industry and they will work closely with their partners in the North to increase visitor arrivals and connectivity.
Arriving in October 2017 and early 2018, the three new Twin Otter aircraft will have air‑conditioned cabins for increased customer comfort.
Their state of the art digital avionics systems and operating features will greatly enhance operational reliability and an easier transition for Fiji Link pilots to progress onto the ATR fleet.
Viljoen says the impending fleet expansion has already initiated the recruitment and training of additional local pilots, resulting in more employment opportunities for Fijians.
Flights between Nadi and Suva will increase to seven a day.
The team is also considering converting one of their current Twin Otter aircraft into a multi‑use vehicle to cater not only for additional scheduled flying, but to provide opportunities for new charter business, medical evacuation services and carriage of freight.
Attorney General, Minister for Economy and Minister responsible for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum who was at the announcement in Nadi this morning says this investment by Fiji Link to expand its domestic fleet and increase capacity will be welcome news for the Northern residents and tourism stakeholders alike.
The ever‑versatile Twin Otter remains the aircraft of choice for Fiji Link’s domestic operations into smaller airports with short airstrips, and where airport and runway infrastructure is limited. It has the ability to land on most runway surfaces given its size, weight, and take‑off and landing requirements.
Fiji Link also has the option to purchase a fourth brand new Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft.
A decision on exercising this option will be made in 2018.
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