EVERY airline needs to develop the next generation of leaders. For Fiji Airways, that responsibility is especially important. We are Fiji’s national airline, and the strength of our future depends on the people we develop today.
More than 90 per cent of our people are Fijian, and around 44 per cent of our workforce are women. They fly our aircraft, maintain them to world standards, run our operations across the Pacific and lead our business. Their skills, experience and commitment are central to our success, and their stories reflect what is possible when people are given the opportunity to learn, grow and lead.
Our story is full of people who started small and grew with the airline. One of our managers joined 34 years ago as a finance clerk. Today she runs ground operations across nine Pacific Island ports. Our pilots include 84 Fijian captains across Fiji Link and Fiji Airways, many of whom trained here in Fiji. Our engineers, crew and commercial teams have skills that are in demand anywhere in the world, yet they are choosing to build their careers here, contributing to the growth of Fiji Airways and our nation.
These achievements don’t happen by accident. They are the result of investing in our people at every stage of their careers. We continue to develop our workforce through our Fiji Airways Aviation Academy for pilot programs, engineering apprenticeships, organisation wide service education and front line training and developmental and coaching for leaders. Our aim is to give our people the skills, experience and confidence to take on greater responsibility and build rewarding, long-term careers in aviation.
That commitment is recognised internationally. Just last week, Fiji Airways achieved an important milestone with its IATA Operational Safety Audit registration, supported by a predominantly Fijian team. This reflects the expertise and dedication of our people and our commitment to maintaining the standards expected of a world-class airline.
We know the challenge Fiji faces. Every year, thousands of skilled Fijians leave for opportunities overseas, and every industry feels that loss. Aviation is no different. Pilots, engineers and technical specialists are in demand around the world. As one of the largest employers in the country, we have a responsibility to respond.
Our response is to keep investing in local talent and create an environment where people can see a future for themselves. We strive to be an employer of choice, offering training, clear career pathways and opportunities to build a world-class career without having to leave home. Every Fijian who chooses to grow their career with us strengthens not only our airline but also the skills, experience and economic capability of our country.
At the same time, we compete on a global stage. As a full member of the oneworld alliance, we work alongside some of the world’s leading airlines, in one of the most demanding industries. As Fiji’s only international airline, we must maintain the specialist expertise and experience needed to operate safely, efficiently and competitively in a complex global environment.
At times, strengthening our business means bringing in experience gained across other airlines and international markets. That expertise has an important role to play, but so does the responsibility to share knowledge, develop our people and build capability within our teams. Our goal is to create pathways for more Fijians to take on increasingly senior and specialised roles over time. By combining international experience with the talent and potential of our own people, we can build a stronger leadership pipeline for the future.
Leadership changes are a normal part of any organisation. What matters is having the depth of talent, experience and capability to manage those transitions well. At Fiji Airways, succession is about more than filling a position when it becomes vacant. It is about identifying potential, developing capability and preparing people to take on greater responsibility when the opportunity arises. Under the leadership of our managing director and CEO, Paul Scurrah, we continue to build the capability and confidence of our people to take on new challenges and lead the airline into the future.
As we celebrate 75 years, we’re proud that Fiji Airways remains built by Fiji, for Fijians. Our history has been shaped by generations of people who have helped build the airline into what it is today. The next 75 years will be shaped by the young Fijians joining us now: The trainees; apprentices; graduates; and new team members who will develop their skills, discover their potential and one day lead this airline.
Our job is to ensure they’re ready. That means continuing to invest in their development, creating opportunities for them to progress and building an airline where Fijian talent can thrive at every level.
