7th May 2019
Last week, Fiji Airways announced its annual financial results which passed F$1 billion for the first time in company's 67 year history.
The company is also the first Fiji carrier to ever cross the billion dollar revenue mark and as a result, all Fiji Airways and Fiji Link staff received a bonus payout of F$2,350.
The Fiji Airways Group recorded a $90.7 million revenue growth for the last financial year. However, profits were down by 42 per cent.
Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Viljoen stated that increased costs were difficult to balance.
"2018 was characterized by significant highs and lows. We grew revenue by 10 per cent, crossing F$1 billion in total revenue and carried 7 per cent more passengers, but this was offset by increased costs," said
Fiji Airways stated that higher fuel prices, currency movements and infrastructure investments were reasons to blame for the reduced profits.
Despite the loss, Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum stated that the results were great and acknowledged Fiji Airways Managing Director Andrew Viljoen for his hard work and profit making efforts.
"You can do a google search on how many national carriers throughout the world in recent times have either collapsed or are on the verge of collapse. There are very few airlines with large fleet comparatively that has actually continued to do well," Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
In 2018, the Fiji Airways group transported over 1.7 million passengers and is planning to extend its fleet.
The airline is set to purchase two new Airbus A350 XWB aircraft as part of its plan to expand into more U.S markets, as well as Australia.
"Our teams are currently customizing the aircraft to our specifications, including our world-renowned livery and designs which proudly represent the people of Fiji," said Fiji Airways CEO, Andrew Viljoen.
