Trip Report: Fiji Airways A350-900XWB New Business Class AKL - NAN
Jan 21, 2020, 4:25 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 112
Trip Report: Fiji Airways A350-900XWB New Business Class AKL - NAN
Hello everyone!
I’ve been looking forward to share my experience flying Fiji Airways’ brand new A350-900XWB with the new Super Diamond seats! I’m only posting a few photos here, but I have a more thorough reviews and photos here, as well as my recent Qantas A380 First Class review from Singapore to Melbourne.
There is a separate lane for premium passengers as well as Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, as Fiji Airways recently joined Oneworld as a Oneworld Connect member.
Fiji Airways at Auckland Airport uses Qantas International Business Lounge, which I will also review on a separate post. After having some delicious Thai Red Beef Curry at the lounge, I headed to my gate. My flight that day departed out of gate 5.
The initial aircraft assignment was Boeing 737 MAX. As you know, the MAX planes won’t be flying anytime soon. It was then switched to a leased aircraft from Miami Air, which didn’t even feature a business class cabin. But then a few months ago, I noticed there was another equipment swap. When I looked at the aircraft type, my jaw dropped! Now I was scheduled to fly on the brand new A350-900XWB named Island of Vanua Levu that Fiji Airways recently took delivery of! That’s why I couldn’t be more excited.
I boarded through door 1L and was greeted by a friendly flight attendant. I love the new plane smell! Fiji Airways A350 planes are equipped with reverse herringbone Super Diamond seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. I assigned myself seat 20K.
I do love the finish, and it looks much better than the rendering on the internet. Unlike most airlines, the seat is entirely wrapped with off-white leather. It reminds me of seats in luxury cars.
Waiting on my seat are pillow and blanket, as well as a booklet explaining how to operate the seat controls.
Once settled in, the flight attendant offered a pre-departure beverage. The options were champagne and sparkling drinks; I had the latter.
Even though many airlines have opted to install Super Diamond seats, the version installed on this aircraft is the newer version. As you can see, the IFE controller looks very similar to an android phone, and it even has a camera — I think.
The screen is very responsive and has a high resolution, especially when showing the camera view.
The footwell is decent. It’s not as spacious as some of the older configurations, but it’s quite comfortable, and great news for hot-natured folks — there are individual air nozzles on every seat!
Five minutes after take-off, the seatbelt sign was turned off, and the crews started preparing lunch service.
It took about 50 minutes until the appetizer was served, and there was only one option to choose from.
For the main course, I ordered the grilled fish — seared wall fillet, served with white wine cream sauce, green pea studded risotto, and roasted pumpkin wedge.
While it was a decent dish, the flavor wasn’t unique enough for my taste bud. Personally, I would expect something more exotic and spicy.
To finish, I had the cream tart — vanilla-scented whipped cream cheese filling in a sweet pastry case.
Overall it was a good quality meal, especially for a short flight, but it was a bit on the plain side. I also had a chance to check out the lavatory, which is clean and stocked with Pure Fiji toiletries.
Other than that it was an uneventful flight, but the view from my window for the remainder of the flight was spectacular. Before landing, the flight attendants walked around the cabin to collect the headphones.
Moments later, we touched down in Nadi. Upon arrival, I was able to get a few shots of the plane as the terminal is partially outdoor.
Conclusion
Fiji Airways’ brand new A350 was such a joy to ride! The business class cabin is elegant and beautiful. The white leather seats are something you’ll see in a luxury sports car. I’m so glad I had a chance to fly this magnificent bird.
Overall, the service was great, and I was addressed by my last-name the entire flight. The flight attendant working on my aisle was very friendly. I love it when I see the crews are enthusiastic because it sets the tone of how good a flight would be.
The quality of the food was good, but the food itself was a bit bland. That said, I wouldn’t hesitate to fly Fiji Airways again, especially on a long haul flight on A350 aircraft.
I’ve been looking forward to share my experience flying Fiji Airways’ brand new A350-900XWB with the new Super Diamond seats! I’m only posting a few photos here, but I have a more thorough reviews and photos here, as well as my recent Qantas A380 First Class review from Singapore to Melbourne.
There is a separate lane for premium passengers as well as Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, as Fiji Airways recently joined Oneworld as a Oneworld Connect member.
Fiji Airways at Auckland Airport uses Qantas International Business Lounge, which I will also review on a separate post. After having some delicious Thai Red Beef Curry at the lounge, I headed to my gate. My flight that day departed out of gate 5.
The initial aircraft assignment was Boeing 737 MAX. As you know, the MAX planes won’t be flying anytime soon. It was then switched to a leased aircraft from Miami Air, which didn’t even feature a business class cabin. But then a few months ago, I noticed there was another equipment swap. When I looked at the aircraft type, my jaw dropped! Now I was scheduled to fly on the brand new A350-900XWB named Island of Vanua Levu that Fiji Airways recently took delivery of! That’s why I couldn’t be more excited.
I boarded through door 1L and was greeted by a friendly flight attendant. I love the new plane smell! Fiji Airways A350 planes are equipped with reverse herringbone Super Diamond seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. I assigned myself seat 20K.
I do love the finish, and it looks much better than the rendering on the internet. Unlike most airlines, the seat is entirely wrapped with off-white leather. It reminds me of seats in luxury cars.
Waiting on my seat are pillow and blanket, as well as a booklet explaining how to operate the seat controls.
Once settled in, the flight attendant offered a pre-departure beverage. The options were champagne and sparkling drinks; I had the latter.
Even though many airlines have opted to install Super Diamond seats, the version installed on this aircraft is the newer version. As you can see, the IFE controller looks very similar to an android phone, and it even has a camera — I think.
The screen is very responsive and has a high resolution, especially when showing the camera view.
The footwell is decent. It’s not as spacious as some of the older configurations, but it’s quite comfortable, and great news for hot-natured folks — there are individual air nozzles on every seat!
Five minutes after take-off, the seatbelt sign was turned off, and the crews started preparing lunch service.
It took about 50 minutes until the appetizer was served, and there was only one option to choose from.
For the main course, I ordered the grilled fish — seared wall fillet, served with white wine cream sauce, green pea studded risotto, and roasted pumpkin wedge.
While it was a decent dish, the flavor wasn’t unique enough for my taste bud. Personally, I would expect something more exotic and spicy.
To finish, I had the cream tart — vanilla-scented whipped cream cheese filling in a sweet pastry case.
Overall it was a good quality meal, especially for a short flight, but it was a bit on the plain side. I also had a chance to check out the lavatory, which is clean and stocked with Pure Fiji toiletries.
Other than that it was an uneventful flight, but the view from my window for the remainder of the flight was spectacular. Before landing, the flight attendants walked around the cabin to collect the headphones.
Moments later, we touched down in Nadi. Upon arrival, I was able to get a few shots of the plane as the terminal is partially outdoor.
Conclusion
Fiji Airways’ brand new A350 was such a joy to ride! The business class cabin is elegant and beautiful. The white leather seats are something you’ll see in a luxury sports car. I’m so glad I had a chance to fly this magnificent bird.
Overall, the service was great, and I was addressed by my last-name the entire flight. The flight attendant working on my aisle was very friendly. I love it when I see the crews are enthusiastic because it sets the tone of how good a flight would be.
The quality of the food was good, but the food itself was a bit bland. That said, I wouldn’t hesitate to fly Fiji Airways again, especially on a long haul flight on A350 aircraft.
Feb 15, 2020, 8:51 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 112
When I googled it, it didn't even have business class. But eventually it got swap and ended up flying A359. I couldn't be happier!
Feb 18, 2020, 7:22 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
My pleasure! I wish I were doing AKL-NAN and then continuing NAN-LAX. But I'm glad I had the opportunity to fly this beautiful bird. I was scheduled to flew the MAX, but obviously I had not been flying since last year, and then it switched to Miami Air When I googled it, it didn't even have business class. But eventually it got swap and ended up flying A359. I couldn't be happier!
When I googled it, it didn't even have business class. But eventually it got swap and ended up flying A359. I couldn't be happier!
Apr 26, 2020, 1:22 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 112
I freaked out when I got a schedule change notice. I was even downgraded to Y, but it all worked out well in the end. So glad having a chance to experience the new plane!
May 2, 2020, 3:01 am
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 457
Have flown on Fiji airs A330s in business class & it was great, but the A359 was infinitely better.
Last edited by OZFLYER86; May 2, 2020 at 4:24 pm Reason: typo
May 3, 2020, 6:44 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 112
Regarding Fiji's A330, I also flew it on that trip from NAN to SIN. OMG, it was awful! I got the old one - not the one ex. SQ. I would avoid this type at all cost. When you recline the seat, the tray table also tilts - I spilled a full glass of Bailey's on my lap! UGH.
