Air Pacific : FJ : FJI

Air Pacific’s new Managing Director and CEO Dave Pflieger says slow economic recovery, fuel prices, and continued stress in the financial markets will likely force airlines worldwide to continue to rationalize their business strategies and operations.

Mr Pflieger made the remark in response to Australian media reports that Virgin Blue is contemplating major changes in its operation and may combine its three airline subsidiaries and suspend flying on unprofitable routes.

Flights to Fiji and Phuket were specifically noted as routes that were facing the axe.

“News that V Australia may pull out of Nadi is not surprising,” said Mr Pflieger.

"Flying a three class, long range wide-body aircraft from Sydney to Nadi is not an effective use of an expensive asset. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see that plane pulled out of this market and used on another route where Virgin can get better yields and more revenue from its business, premium economy, and economy traffic.

“Like Virgin Blue & V. Australia, we are reviewing the operations and business strategy at both Air Pacific and our subsidiary Pacific Sun. It is my goal to ensure that we come up with plan that will ensure the success of Fiji’s national carrier.

Status quo is not an option. It will be necessary to significantly change our ways if we want to be successful in delivering on-time flights, great customer service, and an international airline that will be profitable for another 59 years.”

Mr Pflieger also noted the direct link between Air Pacific and Fiji’s economy. “Air Pacific and its subsidiary Pacific Sun together fly more than 500 flights per week internationally and domestically. The Company employs almost 950
employees. It earns a gross revenue of almost F$600 million, and it contributes 11% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition, Air Pacific aircraft bring in over 66% of all tourists who fly to Fiji. Thus, it should be no surprise that the health of Fiji’s economy is tightly linked to the vitality of its international carrier.”

“The possible withdrawal of V Australia once again emphasizes the importance of our national airline,” said Air Pacific’s new MD and CEO. “Other airlines ask for “Open Skies”, more capacity, and more air traffic rights, but as we’ve
seen over and over again, the airlines of other countries will come and go as they wish. Air Pacific, on the other hand, is here to stay. Fiji is home. We have been here in good times and in bad providing flights to other countries and other islands, providing critical jobs, and ensuring the success of our tourism-based economy.”

Mr. Pflieger added, however, that “competition and change are good for everyone.”
“They force a business like ours to get better at delivering the basics: customer service, reasonable prices, and ultimately more enjoyable flights for passengers who are going to see family, friends, or the world at large. Air Pacific
is indebted to the Fiji Government and the people of Fiji for their support, and we plan to do what it takes to ensure we earn your continued business in the years ahead.”

Air Pacific buys 3 new Airbus A330-200

Fiji’s international carrier Air Pacific has ordered three new Airbus A330-200 aircrafts, all valued at a catalogue price of USD$600 million.

Announcing the new addition to its fleet, Air Pacific’s chief executive Dave Pflieger said it is the first time in the history of the companies 60 years of operation to purchase three brand new aircrafts.

Pflieger said the three new A330-200 Airbus is due to arrive in March, 2013 to replace the current Boeing 747 and 767.

He said the purchase of the new aircrafts from Airbus was successful through funding of approximately $200 million from Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and 85 per cent offshore investments.

Pflieger said the Airbus A330-200 aircrafts burn 45 per cent less fuel than jumbo jets.

He said the aircrafts are equipped with latest cabin seats and excellent in-flight entertainment systems.

“The new aircrafts will dramatically improve the appeal and effectiveness of Fiji’s national carrier in achieving its goal of becoming the airline of choice in the South Pacific,” Pflieger said.

He said the A330’s will also have 20 per cent more cargo space than the current Boeing 767.

Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the new purchase by Air Pacific demonstrates to the rest of the world that Fiji and Fijians can think outside the box.

“We are saying to the rest of the world that we are ready and willing to provide services that other countries can offer,” he said.

Welcoming Air Pacific to the Airbus family, the senior vice president of Airbus Isabelle Floret said the A330’s are the best aircrafts for the people of Fiji to fly in.

Fijian operator Air Pacific has yet to select an engine type for its new Airbus A330-200s, for which it opted after dumping its Boeing 787 order earlier this year.

Air Pacific had previously ordered eight 787-9s and the twinjets had been due to be equipped with General
Electric GEnx powerplants.

The A330s, which are scheduled for delivery in 2013, will replace the carrier's Boeing 747-400 and 767-300ER aircraft, which are fitted with a mix of Pratt & Whitney and General Electric engines.

Air Pacific said the acquisition would be its first purchase of new widebodies.

The carrier added that its fleet review team started work 17 months ago, aiming to find and finance new aircraft that could begin operating by March 2013.

It said the effort included a seven-month review of the fleet and network.

Boeing listed the Air Pacific 787s - originally ordered in 2006, with an initial 2011 delivery date - as having been
cancelled in its April backlog update.

"Our exhaustive evaluation proved not only that the A330-200 was the best [aircraft] for Air Pacific but also that the features and capabilities of thies new [jet] will complement our world-renowned customer service," said the carrier's
chief, David Pflieger.

Air Pacific originally ordered its 787s in 2006, and had given an initial delivery date of 2011.

Airbus specifically highlighted in a statement confirming that A330 deal that the carrier had previously evaluated the 787.

"We fully expect our new A330s to significantly help us cut costs and increase revenue," said Pflieger.

He said they would be fitted with "the latest in cabin seats and in-flight entertainment", and operate on routes to Sydney, Auckland, Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

Fijian operator Air Pacific has yet to select an engine type for its new Airbus A330-200s, for which it opted after dumping its Boeing 787 order earlier this year.

Air Pacific had previously ordered eight 787-9s and the twinjets had been due to be equipped with General Electric GEnx powerplants.

The A330s, which are scheduled for delivery in 2013, will replace the carrier's Boeing 747-400 and 767-300ER aircraft, which are fitted with a mix of Pratt & Whitney and General Electric engines.

Air Pacific said the acquisition would be its first purchase of new widebodies.

The carrier added that its fleet review team started work 17 months ago, aiming to find and finance new aircraft that could begin operating by March 2013. It said the effort included a seven-month review of the fleet and network.

Boeing listed the Air Pacific 787s - originally ordered in 2006, with an initial 2011 delivery date - as having been cancelled in its April backlog update.

"Our exhaustive evaluation proved not only that the A330-200 was the best [aircraft] for Air Pacific but also that the features and capabilities of this new [jet] will complement our world-renowned customer service," said the carrier's chief, David Pflieger.

Air Pacific originally ordered its 787s in 2006, and had given an initial delivery date of 2011. Airbus specifically highlighted in a statement confirming that A330 deal that the carrier had previously evaluated the 787.

"We fully expect our new A330s to significantly help us cut costs and increase revenue," said Pflieger. He said they would be fitted with "the latest in cabin seats and in-flight entertainment", and operate on routes to Sydney, Auckland, Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

Et est-ce que ces A330-200 sont un "lead-in to" l'A350-XWB, maintenant que Boeing (B787) a été viré ?