Fiji Airways has announced that trials for a groundbreaking new aircraft designed to transform inter-island travel in Fiji are expected to begin by mid-to-late next year.
Speaking at a recent media event, the airline’s Chief Customer Officer, Akuila Batiweti, confirmed that the ODYS VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) hybrid aircraft will soon undergo test flights as part of an innovative partnership with U.S.-based aerospace company Odys Aviation.
“That’s vertical takeoff and landing,” Mr Batiweti said.
“We believe that this should be ready by the middle to the end of next year for us to run trials.”
The aircraft, which can carry up to nine passengers, is a hybrid-electric model capable of vertical take-off and landing, similar to a helicopter, eliminating the need for traditional runways.
“One of the issues we have here in Fiji is that, if you want to get to the outer islands or to the north, there just aren’t enough landing strips for our Twin Otters or ATRs.”
“A lot of hotels don’t have the opportunity to fly guests directly to them. You end up stuck on a boat for four hours.”
He noted that limited air access has also impacted emergency services and logistics.
“You’re trying to get medical supplies or other essentials to remote areas, and you’re stuck relying on just a couple of helicopters.”
Mr Batiweti said Fiji Airways signed a development agreement with Odys Aviation two years ago, and progress on the project has been significant.
“The prototype is ready. We’re actually seeing it next week while we’re in Long Beach. We’re not far from trial flights.”
“This will be a game changer for accessibility. It’s about getting people and goods where they need to go faster, safer, and more efficiently whether it’s tourists, local passengers, or critical supplies.”
