Fiji Airways to acquire two new Airbus A350 XWB planes

Fiji Airways to acquire two new Airbus A350 XWB planes

By Faria Begum
03/05/2019
Fiji Airways has announced that they will be acquiring two new Airbus A350 XWB planes. Photo: Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways has announced that they will be acquiring two new Airbus A350 XWB planes as part of its wide-body aircraft expansion plans.

This will be done in partnership with the Fijian Government who are majority shareholders of the company. 

While making the announcement, Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andre Viljoen said that this was part of the company’s 5 year plan.

Viljoen says that they are extremely pleased with this selection and proud of the confirmed arrangements with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) as the lessor, and Rolls‑Royce as the engine supplier.

The CEO says that their teams are currently customising the aircraft to their specifications, including the world renowned livery and designs which proudly represent the people of Fiji.

He says the new additions will bring a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous generation similar‑sized aircraft which means a significant reduction to the airline’s carbon footprint and fuel cost.

The new additions to the airline will be used to primarily service popular routes between the US and Australia, with exact schedules to be confirmed closer to launch.

While speaking at the announcement the Attorney General and the Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said that any wide bodied aircraft that has the ability to fly longer distance means that Fiji as a country is opening itself up further to the rest of the world.

Sayed-Khaiyum says that he thinks this is critically important.

The delivery of the aircraft is set for November and December this year.

The Airbus A350 will feature 33 Business class seats and fully lie‑flat Business Class beds, with each offering direct aisle access while Economy Class will feature 301 seats, which are ranked among the most comfortable long‑haul economy class seats on the market.

Fiji Airways crosses the $1 billion in revenue for 2018 financial year

Fiji Airways has announced a profit of $55 million for the 2018 financial year and the airline company has also crossed the $1 billion mark for revenue.

This is a 10% increase in revenue in comparison to the previous year’s $929 million.

The group profit before tax was $55.3 million compared to $95.8 million for the previous financial year.

The Group has also announced that all eligible non‑management staff of Fiji Airways and Fiji Link will each receive a profit‑share payout of $2,350.

Fuel prices impacted profits by $31.5 million and foreign exchange valuations impacted profits by a further $8.2 million.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen says that 2018 was characterised by significant highs and lows.

He says that the company carried 7% more passengers but this was offset by increased costs.

Viljoen says that fuel price increases alone accounted for $31.5 million being taken off the company’s targeted bottom line while unfavourable foreign exchange variations added another negative impact of $8.2 million.

While making the announcement, the Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also revealed that many of the delegates taking part in the 52nd Asian Development Bank meeting did not fly in business class seats as the company had oversold the business class seats.

He says that the point of that story is that there is a growing demand for seats coming to Fiji.

Sayed-Khaiyum says that Fiji Airways has become the first ever Fijian Company to cross the billion dollar profit mark.

He says that this result is a good result considering the increased costs that the business faced last year adding that this is the company’s hard work, teamwork that has brought the billion dollar revenue.

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