Air Pacific / Fiji Airways Takes Delivery of New Airbus A330; Visits Hong Kong

Air Pacific’s brand new Airbus A330 - decorated in the colors and brand of its soon-to-be new identity ‘Fiji Airways’ - was unveiled in Hong Kong on Monday.

The aircraft was en route to Nadi, Fiji after leaving Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse, France on Saturday, 17 March 2013.

The aircraft was on display at the HAECO Hangar at the Hong Kong International Airport in a ceremony attended by The President of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO Dave Pflieger, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Transport and Housing Professor Anthony Cheung, executives from Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Panasonic as well as key members of Hong Kong’s travel industry.

“Recognizing the region’s growing interest in visiting and experiencing Fiji, it’s only fitting that our first new Airbus A330 is giving Hong Kong a ‘sneak peek’,” said Dave Pflieger, Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO. “I’m honoured that His Excellency President Nailatikau, Secretary Cheung and so many other dignitaries and partners joined us at this historic event. Combining this best-in-class aircraft - with modern comfort and amenities - with our unparalleled customer service will put the airline, and the nation we represent, firmly on the map in Hong Kong as a leading tourism destination.”

The airline already operates two flights to Hong Kong per week on its existing Boeing 747s. The new A330 will begin flights to Hong Kong starting on 4 April, flying there every Thursday and Saturday, with the last Boeing 747 flight taking place at the end of this month. A third A330 flight will be added in January 2014 following the arrival of the airline's third new A330.

The airline's new A330 has 24 business and 249 economy class seats - each will have 110v in-seat power for a range of electronic devices, including laptops, games, iPhones and iPads.

The airline recently launched an introductory fare of HK$3,300 plus taxes for flights between Hong Kong and Fiji. The fare is available for purchase 16–29 March 2013 for travel between 2 April and 30 November.