THE resignation of Stefan Pichler as managing director and CEO of Fiji Airways and board chairman of Tourism Fiji has sent shockwaves through the aviation and tourism industries.
Mr Pichler’s sudden announcement yesterday morning that he was stepping down to take up an offer from the German Government to rejuvenate Air Berlin was described as “sudden and unexpected”.
With tourism in the midst of a boom and expected to rake in more than $1.4billion this year and Fiji Airways expecting to report a record profit after posting $17.2m for the first six months of the year, many were perplexed to hear of his exit — especially on the eve of the acquisition of new aircraft, a decision he played a key role in.
Aviation and resort industry personnel said Mr Pichler had played a huge role as board chair in bringing the national carrier and tourism stakeholders together.
“We are sorry to see him go so suddenly and so soon,” said Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association president Dixon Seeto.
“We understand he is responding to the call of his country and heads home to Germany to take up a much more challenging role as CEO of Air Berlin in an attempt to return the airline to profitability.
“We thank him for his contribution to aviation and tourism in Fiji and wish him well in his new engagement with Air Berlin.”
After just over one year at the helm of Fiji Airways, Mr Pichler had a lot to boast about. He brought in changes that have improved the image and performance of the national carrier.
He has changed inflight meals — a previously touchy subject — improved on-time-performance, removed a significant number of expatriates that had been brought in by predecessor David Pflieger and posted a $17.2m profit.
More recently, Mr Pichler had unveiled a five year strategic plan designed to ensure Fiji Airways continued to be a competitive player in the global airline market going forward.
Mr Pichler said he was confident that the current management team with the systems established would ensure Fiji Airways would grow without him.
“Everybody is replaceable so we have to focus on the jobs that need to be done and also focus on the teamwork because the team is much more important than the leader,” he said.
“Here in Fiji we have a great team and a great future, Fiji airways is flying high and in the right direction.
“We have a good management team that has established good process and structures within our company which will enable us to grow in the future in a very provident way and add value to the people of Fiji.”
