Fiji’s National Airline takes delivery of A330

Air Pacific, Fiji’s national airline, has formally rolled out its soon to be adopted new ‘Fiji Airways’ identity with the delivery of its first new A330-200 aircraft. Whilst the carrier will officially adopt the ‘Fiji Airways’ brand in June, the aircraft will begin commercial services on April 2nd. The aircraft was officially accepted by Nick Caine, Air Pacific’s CFO, at Airbus’ delivery centre in Toulouse.

The aircraft is the first painted in Fiji Airways’ striking new livery depicting traditional Fijian symbols of welcome, caring and connection of its people to their islands. The livery was designed by celebrated Fijian Masi artist Makereta Matemosi.

The aircraft is the first from an order for three A330-200 placed in 2011 to replace Air Pacific’s B747s and B767s with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

“We are determined to become the airline of choice in the South Pacific. Our distinctive livery conveys the warmth and hospitality of our home. Our passengers will experience superior comfort with our state of the art cabin products once we start commercial operations with the A330 in April, with even better features and products to be rolled out once we become ‘Fiji Airways’ in June. The A330 is the most fuel efficient aircraft in its category and allows us to optimise our network and modernise our fleet to ensure future growth,” said Dave Pflieger, Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO.

May 2012 the airline announced it would go back to its original name Fiji Airways with the delivery of this aircraft. The picture above is the new livery and logo of the airline. Another Airbus A330-200 series is to be delivered November 2013 to replace the Boeing 747-400’s that will be retired. The routes currently operated by the Boeing 747-400’s are Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Los Angeles.