Fiji will provide a link to North America for Australians residing in Canberra, says Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
While welcoming the first group of Fijians to travel on Fiji Airways first ever flight to Canberra, Mr Barr explained how the new service would open up new opportunities for Australians.
“I am certain because Canberra lacks a beach and warm weather for many months of the year that this will be an incredibly popular service but it is also important to acknowledge the role that Fiji Airways plays in connecting the Pacific and indeed connecting our region to North America,” he said.
“To us this will be incredibly important for Canberra tourism and Fiji tourism and it is also important for our region and I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge that today.
“That working together we are strengthening ties between Australia and the Pacific and Fiji is playing a leading role in that partnership.
“So thank you.” He said the Canberra to Nadi service was an initiative that had been in the works for years.
“This was only possible through cooperation between governments, airports, airlines, tourism authorities and this partnership is one that has been building over a number of years but it is wonderful to see all of that hard work come to fruition.
“Post our COVID recovery, we have been very keen to restore international flights to Canberra Airport.
“The fact that Fiji Airways has come forward to work with us to achieve this is testimony to their foresight and their commitment to strengthen the Australia and Fiji relationship but importantly to strengthen the partnership between two key cities.”
Flights to Canberra from Nadi will begin on July 21.
