Stefan Pichler has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airways effective from 1st September 2013.
His contracted with Fiji Airways for 3 years.
A statement from Fiji Airways said Pichler is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways where he led the company in the last four years to a remarkable turnaround, achieving the highest operating profit margins in the industry in 2011 and 2012.
He was recently awarded the “Personal Achievement of the Year Award 2012” by Business Aviation for the Jazeera Airways turnaround.
Before that, he was responsible for Virgin Blue's transformation from a low cost carrier to a network airline and served as their Chief Commercial Officer.
Pichler also launched Virgin Blue's long haul carrier V Australia in 2008 and served as its Chairman.
Pichler combines both extensive airline experience with major Network, Charter and Low Cost Carriers with extensive knowledge of global markets and costumers, including working with leading global brands such as NIKE, Lufthansa, Thomas Cook and Virgin.
A former internationally ranked marathon runner, Pichler started his career as the Head of Sport Promotions at NIKE International in Beaverton/Oregon.
He has a Masters Degree in both Economics and Law from Augsburg University, Germany.
Pichler says he is excited to join Fiji Airways on the road ahead to build a bright future, based on a strong brand and a dedicated team.
Attorney General and Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said they are confident that under his leadership Fiji Airways will continue to modernise, grow and prosper as they move forward into the future in this significant new chapter in the history of Fiji Airways.
Story by: Filipe Naikaso
