Air Pacific is rebranding with a new / old name and color scheme to Fiji Airways, as well as acquiring new Airbus A330-200s - expected completion the end of 2013. (One assumes they might return the two currently operated Singapore 747-400s on lease.)
Link (http://www.airpacific.com/About-Us/News/Article-ID/Fiji-Airways)
Fiji Airways
14 May 2012
FIJI’S NATIONAL AIRLINE ACHIEVES ANOTHER MILESTONE IN TURNAROUND STRATEGY
New name, new aircraft, increased frequency, and improved product
The latest initiatives in the turnaround strategy of Air Pacific, Fiji’s National Carrier, have been revealed, including a rebranding of the airline and a return to its 1958 name of ‘Fiji Airways’.
The move is the latest in a series of initiatives that are part of a 360 degree review and restructure of the airline, which has seen the flag carrier reverse losses, improve its schedules and network, and make significant investments in new aircraft and its onboard product.
After posting an improved operating performance in FY 2010/11 (an operating loss of F$3.6 million compared to F$91.8 million in FY2009/10) the additional changes at the airline are part of the final phase of activities designed to return the airline to sustainable profitability.
‘Fiji Airways’ was the name of the airline between 1958 and 1970. The name was changed to ‘Air Pacific’ in 1970 to reflect its greatly expanded regional presence. The new move will see the airline more closely aligned with its proud Fijian heritage and its role as Fiji’s largest inbound and outbound airline.
“Globally there is high consumer awareness of Fiji as a holiday destination. We want to strengthen that association and also promote Fiji in every country we fly to. Returning to ‘Fiji Airways’ will better reflect our role as Fiji’s national carrier, and also assist Fiji by growing tourism and interest in the nation,” said David Pflieger, Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO. “Our airline is one of Fiji’s largest companies employing 800 people directly and an estimated 8,000 or so indirectly, and we fly in over 60% of all visitors who come to Fiji, so it only makes sense for us to embrace our uniquely Fijian culture and spirit, characteristics which have seen Fiji consistently recognised by consumers as one of the world’s friendliest countries and no doubt helped us win a recent award as one of the top ten small airlines in the world.”
Pflieger added, “Our rebranding is part of an overall turnaround plan – a plan that is working well and should, with continued focus and effort, help us thrive and grow as the preferred airline of the South Pacific.
“In 2010/2011 Air Pacific and Pacific Sun carried a combined 1.1million passengers on 15,000 flights. This represents a year-on-year increase of 37,000 additional passengers which helped increase revenue by F$40 million – at the same time non-fuel costs were reduced by F$13 million.
“With a strong offering of outstanding resorts, hotel properties and diverse activities, we see a lot of opportunity to grow the profile of Fiji as both a final destination and a stopover destination for our long-haul services to Los Angeles and Hong Kong.”
“Our recent investment in new aircraft, a new inflight product, a new airport lounge, and better service, should also position us to capture more of Fiji’s high-end leisure travel market,” said Mr. Pflieger.
Today’s announcement marks another important milestone in the continued turnaround of Fiji’s national carrier, an effort that has already been marked by increased flights between Fiji and Sydney, an aircraft order for three brand new A330-200 aircraft, an order for Rolls-Royce’s Trent 700 engines, and other work focussing on revitalising and modernising the airline’s product and services.
Air Pacific’s transition to its new livery and brand will be a methodical and planned process, expected to be fully completed by the end of 2013. Air Pacific’s new fleet of A330-200’s, which are due to be delivered in 2013, will come equipped with the airline’s new brand and colour scheme, but the brand will be rolled out across the marketplace, ticket offices, check-in counters, airport lounge facilities, and the company’s official website and advertising over the upcoming 18 months.
After months of nail-biting anticipation, Air Pacific (or should we say Fiji Airways) has finally released details of its new aircraft livery and revamped cabin product to be delivered on its new A330 aircraft. The new birds are expected to take to the skies next year.
Dave Pflieger, Air Pacific's MD and CEO, today said:
"The unveiling of the new look and features of our soon-to-arrive A330's is the latest milestone in a series of initiatives that are a part of the Air Pacific's restructuring and rebranding. We couldn't think of a better way to honour Fiji's national day holiday than to share a first glimpse of the exciting things in store for Fiji and our passengers".
What do you think? I love the cabin and the product. Much nicer than the current offering (obviously) and will ensure a more comfortable ride for passengers. Wouldn’t mind a stop in Nadi if I’m ever flying to the US - hopefully Air Pacific's pricing stays just as competitive.
VH-RMD
Oct 10, 12, 3:59 am
looks quite nice.
haydensydney
Oct 10, 12, 4:32 am
looks quite nice.
Stark contrast to the current offering - looking forward to giving it a whirl!
VH-RMD
Oct 10, 12, 4:41 am
I have used the 747's many times and the occasional 767 and have to say the J product was not that bad, particularly for the SYD-NAN run. Longer distances maybe not so good but not that long ago (OK, 10 years) those 747 J seats were AN F then J seats to HKG. People thought they were pretty good then.
Sure the IFE leaves a lot to be desired on the old birds.
haydensydney
Oct 10, 12, 4:45 am
I have used the 747's many times and the occasional 767 and have to say the J product was not that bad, particularly for the SYD-NAN run.
Absolutely - have had a few great flights in the nose of the 747 and it really felt like stepping back in time. Nostalgic. The IFE certainly left a lot of be desired so thank god for iPads!
haydensydney
Oct 10, 12, 2:21 pm
PS... I love how the airline has incorporated more of its heritage into the design rather than that gaudy island theme they currently have.
oranjemakker
Oct 11, 12, 6:44 pm
Do we know what routes they will be flying? Am hoping it will offer a CHC-NAN-LAX or CHC-NAN-HKG connection avoiding Auckland!
haydensydney
Oct 11, 12, 6:53 pm
I believe the new bird will be on SYD, AKL, HKG and LAX.
JDiver
Oct 11, 12, 10:26 pm
Bula! The really good news - during 2013, the newly branded and redesigned Fiji Airways will introduce three Airbus A330-200s into service, retiring the leased in SQ B-747-400s.
Video on new website (7 min) here (http://www.fijiairways.com/)and on youtube here (http://youtu.be/0OR_lYbVE6E).
The new Tabua Class, according to Australian Business Traveller (http://www.ausbt.com.au/photos-of-air-pacific-s-first-airbus-a330-in-new-fiji-airways-livery-new-seats-cabin-interior-too), will have spiffy new Weber flat angled seats, like Virgin Atlantic's A330s have:
Looks way nicer than the FJ flight I took to Fiji seven or so years ago.
FormalHall
Oct 28, 12, 8:04 pm
it will be interesting to see if Qantas Frequent Flyer earning on FJ changes given that this name change followed the removal of the Qantas reps on the airline board and effective full takeover by the Fiji government.
TravelPDX7
Jan 28, 13, 1:05 am
BIGGITY-BUMP!!
Very nice as I will be flying PDX-LAX-NAN-SYD in Sept and am hoping I will be on this as opposed to the 747.
Anybody have any reliable info on the LAX-NAN-SYD routes flying on 330 metal? From all I have heard the Australia-AKL-HKG-LAX routes would be the first to get the 2/3 new 330s by the time I fly with the last coming in Nov, however they also say the 747s will be phased out in Dec 2013m leaving a few months of availability, or will the Australia-AKL-HKG-LAX routes get them all.
I figure worse comes to worst I would have a 66% chance, but does has anybody heard any definitive info?
Thanks in advance
BarryAZ
Jan 28, 13, 2:50 pm
I was checking for flights late this year from LA -- still listed as using the 747's.
My wife and I are looking at Fiji Airlines Business Class (via Alaska miles) for a trip LA/Brisbane (via Nadi), and then return Christchurch or Auckland (via Nadi).
14 months ago, we flew outbound LA/Nadi/Auckand and return Christchurch/Nadi/LA. Again, Business Class.
Fiji Airlines with the 330's and lie flats would move up our preference list for arranging the flights for 2014.
TravelPDX7
Jan 28, 13, 10:37 pm
I was checking for flights late this year from LA -- still listed as using the 747's.
My wife and I are looking at Fiji Airlines Business Class (via Alaska miles) for a trip LA/Brisbane (via Nadi), and then return Christchurch or Auckland (via Nadi).
14 months ago, we flew outbound LA/Nadi/Auckand and return Christchurch/Nadi/LA. Again, Business Class.
Fiji Airlines with the 330's and lie flats would move up our preference list for arranging the flights for 2014.
Yeah saw that too but they have said that they will be running the 330s from NAN to Australia-AKL-HKG-LAX with them set to recieve all 3 330s by november.
Looking on their website I do not see any flights that book the 330 as of yet, even in Dec when the 747s are due to be phased out and all 3 of the 330s should be operating on the above stated routes, I have not been able to find the 330s listed on the reservation page.
Dec 15-25th is the latest most routes will allow booking and they all still list the 747 as the plane, when it should be retired by then.
Anyways, signed up for the alert when the Fiji Air website pops up so hopefully when that goes live the routes will be updated and I can get good news on the 330s.
BarryAZ
Jan 29, 13, 3:35 pm
I will be on the look out for the change over as well. My wife and I are planning this trip for March/April next year. Currently our preference list is something like this (using Alaska airlines miles)
Cathay -- 1st class
Cathay -- Business class
Korean Air - Business class
Air Pacific - business class.
Assuming that Air Pacific makes the change over, then it bumps up above Korean Air in our preference and perhaps above Cathay business class (only because it is much more direct from LA to go LA/Nadi/Australia and NZ/Nadi/LA then via Hong Kong.
Alaska Airlines also partners with Delta and Qantas but getting flights from either of them in business class or better is in the class of forlorn hope, besides that to use either of them means round trip Australia/NZ instead of one way. (Cathay, Korean, Air Pacific/Fiji all have flights from NZ to their 'home' airport).
Yeah saw that too but they have said that they will be running the 330s from NAN to Australia-AKL-HKG-LAX with them set to recieve all 3 330s by november.
Looking on their website I do not see any flights that book the 330 as of yet, even in Dec when the 747s are due to be phased out and all 3 of the 330s should be operating on the above stated routes, I have not been able to find the 330s listed on the reservation page.
Dec 15-25th is the latest most routes will allow booking and they all still list the 747 as the plane, when it should be retired by then.
Anyways, signed up for the alert when the Fiji Air website pops up so hopefully when that goes live the routes will be updated and I can get good news on the 330s.
TravelPDX7
Jan 29, 13, 8:02 pm
I will be on the look out for the change over as well. My wife and I are planning this trip for March/April next year. Currently our preference list is something like this (using Alaska airlines miles)
Cathay -- 1st class
Cathay -- Business class
Korean Air - Business class
Air Pacific - business class.
Assuming that Air Pacific makes the change over, then it bumps up above Korean Air in our preference and perhaps above Cathay business class (only because it is much more direct from LA to go LA/Nadi/Australia and NZ/Nadi/LA then via Hong Kong.
Alaska Airlines also partners with Delta and Qantas but getting flights from either of them in business class or better is in the class of forlorn hope, besides that to use either of them means round trip Australia/NZ instead of one way. (Cathay, Korean, Air Pacific/Fiji all have flights from NZ to their 'home' airport).
Yeah we had the chance to come back via the same route with FJ, but I saw that CX route from Cairns to HKG and thought that would be perfect: CNS-HKG-YVR/SFO. Was a little expensive pt wise but for a day and a half in HK we felt it was worth it.
Also CX flies directly AKL-HKG and I was looking a while ago and the availability was pretty good so you could go:
LAX-NAN-SYD
then
AKL-(CX)-HKG-(CX)-USA
that s a good 20+hours on CX.
The new FJ business class does look good and hopefully I will get to see it close up.
BarryAZ
Jan 29, 13, 11:47 pm
Yeah we had the chance to come back via the same route with FJ, but I saw that CX route from Cairns to HKG and thought that would be perfect: CNS-HKG-YVR/SFO. Was a little expensive pt wise but for a day and a half in HK we felt it was worth it.
Also CX flies directly AKL-HKG and I was looking a while ago and the availability was pretty good so you could go:
LAX-NAN-SYD
then
AKL-(CX)-HKG-(CX)-USA
that s a good 20+hours on CX.
The new FJ business class does look good and hopefully I will get to see it close up.
Actually, my preferred option would be something like this with CX
SF or LA - HKG - Brisbane and return would be
AKL-HKG-LA/SF
We'd spend a couple of weeks touring south from Brisbane ending up in Melbourne -- and then might do a puddle jumper to Hobart and spend a couple of days in Tasmania, then fly Hobard/Sydney/Queenstown. Spend a couple of weeks touring north from there to Auckland and fly home.
If instead FIJI airlines is the option, we'd do about the same thing by way of NADI and perhaps arrange for a layover in Nadi for a few days.
Korean Airlines offers about the same options as CX - with Seoul instead of Hong Kong. Alaska doesn't offer matches to 1st class with them.
We figure that we'd tell Alaska that US outbound from Seattle, SFO or LA would suit us. LA is most convenient for us, and for Seattle, we likely would fly there using included Alaska connection for us. But in any event, if we can get the flights, we can manage getting to those locations.
We were told the A332s would take over the LAX service "by July"
:D^:D^
This looked interesting as well:
https://www.facebook.com/airpacific
Supposed to get 1st in March then 3-4 wks of training on the new birds and then by August, when we go, should be good to go!!
BarryAZ
Feb 11, 13, 1:50 pm
Looks like they are running into some delays -- the January update on their site indicated the A330's will come into service *next year*. I'm hoping they provide a bit more information regarding timing there.
Seems that the plan is to take delivery this year but take several months in deploying them and first off using them on the shorter runs (Nadi to Brisbane, or Melbourne or NZ and back) so their crew can get more experience on the new hardware.
That being said, there is something of a firestorm of traffic on the Air Pacific Facebook page suggesting that Air Pacific needs more than a rebranding. From the traffic (and my own experience in December 2011) they need a serious reconsideration of the concept of customer service and communication.
TravelPDX7
Feb 16, 13, 1:37 am
Looks like they are running into some delays -- the January update on their site indicated the A330's will come into service *next year*. I'm hoping they provide a bit more information regarding timing there.
Seems that the plan is to take delivery this year but take several months in deploying them and first off using them on the shorter runs (Nadi to Brisbane, or Melbourne or NZ and back) so their crew can get more experience on the new hardware.
That being said, there is something of a firestorm of traffic on the Air Pacific Facebook page suggesting that Air Pacific needs more than a rebranding. From the traffic (and my own experience in December 2011) they need a serious reconsideration of the concept of customer service and communication.
Yeah I am cautiously optimistic that the trip over will be good. Hopefully with the new planes and new rebranding, the crew will feel more inclined to provide better service, a fresh start so to say, but we will see.
Ben170292
Feb 17, 13, 3:09 am
I am planning on flying MEL-NAN-MEL in November, do you think the chances of the aircraft being changed from a 737 to A330 is good?
TravelPDX7
Feb 18, 13, 7:24 pm
I am planning on flying MEL-NAN-MEL in November, do you think the chances of the aircraft being changed from a 737 to A330 is good?
That was put up today. I am thinking that it should be good as I am expecting to fly LAX-NAN-SYD on Aug 31-Sept 2 so keep your fingers crossed for both of us.
belfordrocks
Feb 19, 13, 6:56 am
Next year... one of the birds is already fully painted in Toulouse and awaiting first flight IIRC.
They are the same J seats as SQ and VA.
TravelPDX7
Feb 19, 13, 11:18 pm
WOO HOO!! Just checked the Air Pacific website checking FJ flights 811 LAX-NAN on 8/31 and 911 NAN-SYD on 9/2 and they both come up as the airbus 330.
Here I come!! I hope they upgrade their whiskey selection as well.
This to OZ and CX J CNS-HKG-SFO not a bad trip overall!!
Check out your flight and find some good news.
BarryAZ
Feb 24, 13, 1:47 pm
I still think the biggest hurdle for 'the new' Fiji Airlines will be to overcome the dangerous troika of issues they have apparently had. 1) Flight cancellations/delays (perhaps the A330's will help a bit here), 2) Communications regarding flight cancellations/delays, and 3) Customer Service for responding to and resolving problems -- come of which have been caused by cancellations and communications problems.
Part of this is hardware (and the change over from the aging (and not all that well maintained) 747's should help there, but a large part has to do with the corporate culture.
As for me, I will try to use my Alaska Airlines FF miles with plenty of advance notice and a preference along these lines: 1) Qantas 1st Class, Direct flights much less air time), 2) Cathay 1st Class (much longer flights but top notch 1st class), 3) Qantas Business Class, 4) Cathay Business class, 5) Korean Air business class (Alaska doesn't offer 1st class on Korean Air), 6) Fiji Airlines.
The thing is, if Fiji Airlines had the schedule reliability and the customer service levels that it SHOULD, I'd likely bump them up to my third option and plan a layover in Fiji.
I'd note that from the traffic I've seen where Air Pacific/Fiji is particularly troublesome is if you've planned your flight out in advance (say more than 6 months) as the odds of a schedule change (without notification) has been very high.
beg3yrs
Feb 24, 13, 5:48 pm
I'm on FJ 811 (LAX-NAN) and FJ 911 (NAN-SYD) in October. FJ 811 is still the old 747 and FJ 911 has changed from a 737 to the old 747. That's moving in the right direction but not quite where I want it to be (A330s of course). The day before FJ 811 is a 330 but there's no J availability on FJ 911. Hopefully when they have more confidence in the delivery of the remaining 330s something will change for the better.
TravelPDX7
Feb 25, 13, 6:26 pm
I'm on FJ 811 (LAX-NAN) and FJ 911 (NAN-SYD) in October. FJ 811 is still the old 747 and FJ 911 has changed from a 737 to the old 747. That's moving in the right direction but not quite where I want it to be (A330s of course). The day before FJ 811 is a 330 but there's no J availability on FJ 911. Hopefully when they have more confidence in the delivery of the remaining 330s something will change for the better.
Check out the updated route info here http://airlineroute.net/2013/02/20/fj-332-update2/
Looks like the 811 will fly
Nadi – Los Angeles eff 01JUL13 First A330-200 service for LAX from this date
FJ810 NAN2200 – 1320LAX 744 247
FJ810 NAN2200 – 1325LAX 332 136
744 operates on Day 246 from 05SEP13 to 14NOV13, tentative scheduled last 747 flight on 14NOV13
332 operates on Day 137 from 01SEP13 to 15NOV13
SO it looks like you are flying on an Oct, T,R, or Sa as they schedule M as the 1st day so M1 T2 W3 R4 F5 SA6 SU7. If you can bump it a day ahead or back you could be on the 330
About 911 you should be on a 330
Nadi – Sydney eff 08JUN13 Up to 6 weekly on FJ911/910
FJ911 NAN0900 – 1145SYD 332 x5
FJ910 SYD1300 – 1850NAN 332 x5
A330-200 operation on Sydney service reduces to 3-5 weekly from 01JUL13. 6 weekly flights from 15NOV13
as that seems to be one of their biggest routes, but either way good luck and see what you can find.
I still think the biggest hurdle for 'the new' Fiji Airlines will be to overcome the dangerous troika of issues they have apparently had. 1) Flight cancellations/delays (perhaps the A330's will help a bit here), 2) Communications regarding flight cancellations/delays, and 3) Customer Service for responding to and resolving problems -- come of which have been caused by cancellations and communications problems.
Part of this is hardware (and the change over from the aging (and not all that well maintained) 747's should help there, but a large part has to do with the corporate culture.
As for me, I will try to use my Alaska Airlines FF miles with plenty of advance notice and a preference along these lines: 1) Qantas 1st Class, Direct flights much less air time), 2) Cathay 1st Class (much longer flights but top notch 1st class), 3) Qantas Business Class, 4) Cathay Business class, 5) Korean Air business class (Alaska doesn't offer 1st class on Korean Air), 6) Fiji Airlines.
The thing is, if Fiji Airlines had the schedule reliability and the customer service levels that it SHOULD, I'd likely bump them up to my third option and plan a layover in Fiji.
I'd note that from the traffic I've seen where Air Pacific/Fiji is particularly troublesome is if you've planned your flight out in advance (say more than 6 months) as the odds of a schedule change (without notification) has been very high.
Agreed, but such is the flight game. I think a lot of crap lately has been due to cyclones as the season is Nov to May and Fiji was hit by a cat4 cyclone Evan in Dec and 2 tropical depressions as well. Not to mention that as with all flights where the takeoff and destination have perfect weather, inbetween can be horrific.
The cyclone season will not be in full effect in Sept, so I am hopeful.
I fully see the "Island Time" mentality and don't discount it, but I am hopeful that it will be a smooth flight and that the new birds/rebranding will allow me to travel through with a honeymoon effect where everyone is still in love and has a new start and they can leave the past bad service behind.
Here's to hope.
JDiver
Mar 21, 13, 5:54 pm
Australian Business Traveller has a "first look" here (http://www.ausbt.com.au/first-look-inside-air-pacific-s-new-fiji-airways-airbus-a330).
in part... Air Pacific’s new Airbus A330, sporting the airline’s bold new Fiji Airways livery ahead of a total brand overhaul in June, is ready to take to the skies from April 2nd...
It’s the first of three A330s – the others are due in in May and November...
By the end of 2013, with all three A330s running, Air Pacific will have retired its Boeing 747s...
http://www.ausbt.com.au/photos/view/maxsize:467,311/514704b7694c4469ad8f402a767f2254-airpacific-a330-17.jpg
Weber 7811 seats in Tabua Class, same as VA and SQ
Cyclones will still affect FJ operations, and whilst they have the 744s they will probably operate those on higher demand routes. Ground service will still be affected by the ubiquitous sega na leqa "take it easy" attitudes.
Mangi Nambis
Mar 31, 13, 4:31 pm
First commercial flight for the new aircraft tomorrow NAN-AKL-NAN