National carrier Fiji Airways is the “Happiest Airline in the World” according to its new managing director and chief executive officer Paul Scurrah, as he unveiled a bold new vision for the company during his official welcoming at its head office in Nadi yesterday.
“In the spirit of bold ambition and true to our Fijian warmth, I want to promise the world that Fiji Airways is the Happiest Airline in the World,” Mr Scurrah said in his address to staff, who accorded him a full traditional iTaukei welcoming ceremony.
“I have every confidence that this claim is one we can truly stand behind.”
Mr Scurrah, a former chief executive officer of Virgin Australia who began his term as head of Fiji Airways on November 1, also commended the Fiji Airways team for their continued achievements, including the airline’s latest international accolades.
“Just last night, at the prestigious APEX Awards in Singapore, Fiji Airways won Best Cabin Service and Best Food & Beverage in the South Pacific for 2026, recognition based on more than one million verified passenger votes,” he said.
“These awards affirm that the warmth and authenticity we’re known for as Fijians are being felt by our guests around the world.”
Assuring staff that “safety will always come first”, Mr Scurrah pledged to “listen, learn, and lead with humility.”
“We will build on the strong foundation already in place – continuing to deliver world-class service, expand our network, and ensure every guest feels the mana of Fiji on every journey.”
He said a powerful lesson learned during the COVID-19 pandemic was that “nothing in the airline industry can or should ever be taken for granted”.
“The effort it took to get us here must be matched by the effort to keep improving, because if we’re not growing and evolving, we’ll quickly be left behind,” he said.
Mr Scurrah paid homage to the people for the company’s success.
“Your pride, professionalism and passion are what keep us flying high.
“Together, we’ll continue to grow our airline, strengthen our culture and show the world what the Spirit of Fiji truly means.”
According to the company, the ceremony to welcome Mr Scurrah marked the beginning of a new chapter for Fiji Airways, “one defined by leadership rooted in Fijian values, continued pursuit of excellence, and a shared commitment to making Fiji Airways the Happiest Airline in the World”.
Founded in 1951, Fiji Airways and its subsidiary Fiji Link serve 36 destinations across 14 countries (including code-share and Fiji Link) with connectivity to 900+ destinations worldwide through full membership of the oneworld alliance.
“The Fiji Airways Group brings in 70 percent of all visitors who fly to Fiji, employs over 2000 employees, and earned revenues of over $1.7 billion (USD $770m) in 2023.
Fiji Airways was named an APEX World Class 2026 airline in September 2025, an honour that it said placed it among the Top 10 airlines globally.”
