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Fiji Airways receives first B737 MAX
December 7th 2018
Fiji Airways this week became the first Pacific Islands carrier to take delivery of a B737 MAX. Read More » The airline will use the MAX to replace and expand its B737NG fleet. It will continue to fly A330s on its long-haul routes.
“We are thrilled to take delivery of our first 737 MAX 8, named Island of Kadavu," Fiji Airways managing director and CEO, Andre Viljoen. “The introduction of the 737 MAX is the beginning of a new chapter for Fiji Airways and we look forward to taking advantage of the airplane's superior performance and economics. These new airplanes will enable us to offer a world-class customer experience through the new Boeing Sky Interior cabins with in-seat entertainment for all guests.”
Fiji Airways five MAX 8s will replace four B737-800s and a B737-700 on regional flights. The MAX 8 can fly 600 nautical miles longer than the B737 and has 14% better fuel efficiency. The MAX 8 seats up to 178 passengers in a standard two-class configuration and has a maximum range of 3,550 nautical miles (6,570 kilometers).
Based at Nadi International Airport, Fiji Airways serves 13 countries and 31 destinations: Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, the United States, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. It has a code share network of 108 international destinations and is to become oneworld’s first connecting partner this year.
Fiji Airways will use Boeing Global Services to enhance its MAX operations. These services include Airplane Health Management, which generates real-time, predictive service alerts, and Software Distribution Tools, which empower airlines to securely manage digital ground-based data and efficiently manage software parts.
The airline is evaluating a wide body order to replace its five A330-200s and single A330-300. Viljoen has previously said Fiji Airways was considering Airbus’ A330neo and A350 programs and Boeing’s B787 series. In 2017, the airline carried 1.6 million passengers, generated revenue of US$452 million and reported a US$38 million net profit.
