FIJI Airways yesterday announced the successful arrival of Fiji Link’s newest ATR aircraft in Nadi, stamping a significant milestone in the national airline’s ongoing investment in domestic and regional connectivity.
The ATR 72 aircraft touched down in Nadi on January 7 after a multi-day ferry journey that began in Toulouse, France.
Along its delivery route, the ATR travelled through Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands before arriving safely in Fiji.
Fiji Link, the domestic and regional subsidiary of Fiji Airways, has a proud history of connecting remote communities, supporting inter-island travel, and enabling economic activity in Fiji’s outer islands.
Since its establishment, Fiji Link has grown from operating small turboprops to a modern fleet that supports both Fiji residents and international visitors.
The arrival of the new ATR marks the next chapter in this evolution.
Here is a brief interview The Fiji Times conducted via electronic mail with Fiji Airways about the new acquisition.
FT: How much did it cost to acquire the new ATR aircraft; and how was this acquisition funded?
Fiji Airways: The market price of a new ATR 72-600 is approximately USD $26 million.
Fiji Airways has not purchased the aircraft outright.
Instead, the airline has secured the aircraft through a 12-year operating lease arrangement with a reputable leasing partner.
This leasing structure allows Fiji Airways to manage capital expenditure responsibly while maintaining fleet modernisation and ensuring operational efficiency.
The terms of the lease align with industry standards and support our long-term planning for regional connectivity and fleet sustainability.
FT: Is it correct to say that the aircraft was acquired from ATR in France?
Fiji Airways: Yes, it is correct to state that the aircraft was accepted directly from ATR in Toulouse, France.
The aircraft underwent the standard manufacturing, testing, and certification processes at ATR’s facilities before formal acceptance by Fiji Airways.
FT: Who captained the aircraft on its delivery route to Fiji?
Fiji Airways: The ferry flight for the aircraft’s delivery to Fiji was operated by Focus Aero, the contracted ferry company.
As is standard practice for aircraft delivery operations, the ferry company provided its own qualified crew to safely conduct the multi-sector delivery journey in accordance with all regulatory and operational requirements.
FT: What all is involved in the final preparations stage before the aircraft is entered into service?
Fiji Airways: The final preparation stage involves several key steps to ensure the aircraft is fully ready for commercial operations under Fiji Link.
These include:
-Entry-into-service modifications to align the aircraft with Fiji Link’s specific operational and configuration requirements.
-Cabin Crew and Technical Crew walk-throughs, allowing teams to familiarise themselves with aircraft layout, onboard systems, and safety equipment.
-Scheduled maintenance and technical checks, conducted to verify that all systems meet regulatory, safety, and performance standards prior to the aircraft’s first revenue flight. Any other comments is welcome.
This aircraft is fitted with the state of art Pratt and Whitney engines that are quieter and more fuel efficient than its predecessors.
The interior also has the one of the lightest and ergonomically comfortable seats for a turboprop.
This new ATR 72-600 is equipped with state-of-the-art Pratt & Whitney engines that deliver improved fuel efficiency and significantly reduced noise levels compared to previous-generation aircraft.
The cabin interior features some of the lightest and most ergonomically designed seating available on a turboprop, enhancing comfort for passengers while supporting overall aircraft performance and efficiency.
Fiji Airways and Fiji Link are proud to continue investing in modern, reliable, and sustainable aircraft to strengthen regional connectivity and deliver an improved travel experience for our guests.
Fiji Link’s new ATR aircraft at Francisco International Airport in the Philippines. Picture: SUPPLIED/FIJI AIRWAYS
