The estimated 80,000 Fijian diaspora in Vancouver, Canada will now be closer to home with the new direct flight to Fiji, thanks to the country’s national airline — Fiji Airways.
Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive officer Andre Viljoen while announcing this on Tuesday said direct flight would begin from November 25.
Mr Viljoen said Fiji Airways would fly twice weekly to Vancouver, creating a direct link for the tourism industry, for cargo and trade, and for reconnecting families.
He said Canada had always been an important tourism market for Fiji and introducing these direct flights and services would undoubtedly drive an increase in tourism to Fiji.
Mr Viljoen said these direct flights to and from Vancouver further strengthened the importance of Nadi as a trade and tourism hub not only for Fiji but also for all South Pacific countries.
“Fiji Airways will be leading a trade delegation on a promotional flight to Vancouver on the August 9 to engage with industry experts and our partners in Canada,” he said.
“We will take industry and trade specialists with us to commence contracting and raising awareness on this new and exciting direct route.
“This will generate immense interest because very few airlines have done something like this – putting together special people on a special flight to grab the attention of not only potential tourists but viable trade partners.”
And as part of this one-off flight Mr Viljoen said they were offering Fijians the opportunity to buy return airfares for a low price $1099.
He said passengers in Vancouver would also be able to book flights to Nadi on this one-off promotional flight for a low price of $C599 return.
“When commercial flights commence in November, Fiji Airways will maintain the very special introductory price for the Canadian market at $C599 return for the first 599 passengers travelling direct from Vancouver to Nadi.
“Additionally, these same passengers, when making their booking can choose to fly to our four major destinations in Australia and three major destinations in New Zealand at no extra cost.
“For our Fijian travelers, we are now offering return airfares at $1299 for those wanting to fly from November onwards.”
