NATIONAL carrier Fiji Airways has secured a major competitive edge in the trans-Tasman market by becoming the first international airline to announce direct services to the new Western Sydney International Airport.
Scheduled to start operations with the modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 in March next year with three flights a week – Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, the new service will give Fijians an additional direct connection between the two countries, and also drive more tourism to Fiji.
Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Paul Scurrah said the new route would add more than 53,000 seats annually between the two destinations.
He said Fiji had just broken the one million visitor mark for a 12-month period for the first time in its history, with the new destination also posting its highest-ever monthly arrivals in July.
That, he said emphasised the strength of the demand and that the new route was a natural next step for the airline.
“It is one of the fastest-growing regions in New South Wales, and a direct route there means easier, more affordable access for Australians looking to holiday in Fiji, which means more visitors, more jobs and more opportunities for our tourism industry,” Mr Scurrah said.
“It’s also home to one of the largest Fijian communities outside Fiji, so this route is about more than just tourism – it’s about making it easier for our people to stay connected to family and friends, and for Fiji to keep growing as a destination the world wants to visit.”
Australia is Fiji’s top tourist source market, and the new service further strengthens connectivity, and created new opportunities for tourism, trade and business travel, he said.
“We’re excited to have Fiji Airways join Western Sydney International as the countdown continues to welcome our inaugural passengers in less than 60 days’ time,” Western Sydney Airport chief executive officer Simon Hickey said.
“Western Sydney is one of the most diverse and rapidly growing regions in the nation, which includes more than 70 per cent of our global city’s Fijian population.
“We’re delighted to be delivering a new, seamless service for them to connect with family and friends, while also giving tourists more choice and flexibility to visit Fiji and explore everything the warm, welcoming leisure destination has to offer.”
Introductory fares are already on ahead of the inaugural service on Friday, March 19, 2027.
