The barrier to direct international services into Suva is not infrastructure but economics.
This comment from national carrier Fiji Airways is in response to recent calls from the Fiji New Zealand Business Council (FNZBC) and New Zealand Business Fiji Council (NZFBC) for the reinstatement of direct international flights into Suva that was raised at the councils’ joint conference in Nadi last week.
“The reality is that even at Fiji Airways lower cost base to other carriers, the route would not be commercially viable without Government support,” Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive officer Paul Scurrah said.
He said as Fiji’s flag carrier, the airline would be a willing and natural partner in making direct services a reality.
“We remain open to a formal arrangement with Government, consistent with precedents established for other strategically important but commercially marginal routes that would allow us to operate this service in the national interest.
“In the meantime, Fiji Airways continues to offer seamless connections between Suva and the world through its Nadi hub, with double daily Auckland services, up to four weekly flights to Christchurch, and up to three weekly flights to Wellington providing frequent and reliable onward connectivity.”
Outgoing NZFBC president Chandar Sen – who has been vocal on this call in recent years – had said direct air connectivity to Suva remained the highest priority for trans-Tasman commerce, with business leaders warning that economic productivity was being stifled by the lack of direct flights into Suva.
He had urged national and regional airlines to re-establish the routes immediately; and also challenged other airlines, including Air New Zealand and Qantas to respond to commercial demand rather than waiting for ideal airport conditions.
Mr Sen had also indicated the business communities’ readiness to directly fund immediate infrastructure deficits at Nausori Airport if it would mean accelerating the resumption of services.
