When Paul Scurrah stepped down as CEO of Virgin Australia in 2020 during the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, few would have expected his return to aviation.
But five years later, the Australian executive is back in the cockpit — this time leading Fiji Airways, one of the Pacific’s fastest-rising carriers.
For Scurrah, the role represents a new chapter — and a very different challenge. Under outgoing CEO Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways achieved record growth and global recognition. The national airline expanded its fleet and routes, joined the prestigious Oneworld Alliance, and was crowned Best Airline in Australia/Pacific in 2024.
“There’s incredible momentum here,” Scurrah told Karryon shortly after his appointment. “Andre has done an incredibly good job with his team to really improve and grow Fiji Airways. My first goal is to make sure I continue that momentum.”
He said Fiji’s geographic position and tourism potential make it uniquely placed to benefit from the next wave of aviation growth. “There are great growth prospects in the Asia Pacific region, which bodes well for Fiji as a country and for Fiji Airways,” he said. “We’ll maintain momentum but also look for opportunities to grow further and take advantage of Fiji’s location.”
Australia — Fiji Airways’ largest market — will remain central to that plan. “I do see scope for further growth from Australia, but everything needs to be backed by data,” he said. “There’s real and growing interest in Fiji as a destination, and plenty more opportunity from both leisure and business travellers.”
Scurrah hinted that new long-haul destinations could be added and said Oneworld membership would help expand connectivity through partner airlines. “We can now work with partners to extend our network, and that will be a high priority,” he said.
Beyond routes, Scurrah said strengthening ties with Tourism Fiji and the wider industry will be vital. “Interest in Fiji as a destination is a key driver of our success. We’ll work closely with Tourism Fiji and our global distribution partners to keep building demand,” he said.
Reflecting on lessons from Virgin, Scurrah said communication and cost discipline will guide his leadership. “You learn how important listening to your people and customers is,” he said. “Airlines need to be cost leaders — disciplined around spending, and resilient enough to weather any storm.”
With global air travel forecast to grow 5% annually through 2043, Scurrah said his biggest challenge will be “getting enough aircraft to handle that growth.”
For Fiji Airways — and for Fiji — the skies look promising under new leadership.
