Air Pacific grows its Fiji-Hong Kong service

Airline adds more seat capacity through introduction of B747-400 jumbo jet on Hong Kong Route www.discoverfiji.hk – the best way to plan and book a trip to paradise 18 January, 2012 - From January 19th, Air Pacific, Fiji’s International Airline, will be upgrading its Fiji to Hong Kong service to B747-400 jumbo jet service on Thursday and Saturdays in recognition of its commitment to a growing Hong Kong and China market. 

Air Pacific currently operates its 1994 vintage B767 three times a week (Monday, Thursday and Saturday) between Nadi (Fiji) and Hong Kong, and with the retirement of the B767 on January 15th Air Pacific will begin using its more customer friendly and larger B747-400 resulting in increased seat and cargo capacity on this important route. 

“This is consistent with our commitment and enhanced focus on China,” said David Pflieger, Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO. “Hong Kong is an amazing city and a fantastic gateway to the rest of Asia, as well as the UK, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Hong Kong airport has consistently been ranked among the best in the world, adding to its attractiveness.” 

The new schedule and aircraft upgrade means Air Pacific’s flights will now depart Nadi, Fiji at 9:30am, arriving into Hong Kong at 2:50pm, and they will depart Hong Kong at 4:30pm the same day, returning to Nadi at 7:40am the next day. The route has been planned to offer optimum convenience to visitors and business travelers to Fiji and its 333 islands. 

With 28 Business (Tabua) class and 430 economy (Pacific Voyager) class seats, the Air Pacific B747 will enhance the airline’s product offering in this market and the 22% increase in seats on this route will undoubtedly have a positive effect on Fijian tourism and Fiji’s economy. 

Air Pacific launched its Nadi – Hong Kong direct flight in December 2009, and it has a code-share relationship on this route with Cathay Pacific whose extensive network is particularly strong in Asia, the UK and continental Europe. 

To support additional expansion in China, Air Pacific has also set-up a new office in Hong Kong to manage strategic marketing and sales partnerships in Hong Kong, China and South-east Asia. “We have also undertaken extensive new joint marketing campaigns with Tourism Fiji and other partners to increase the awareness of Fiji and all that our South Pacific Island nation has to offer.”

“We also recently announced a decision to purchase three brand new Airbus A330-200 aircraft for delivery in 2013. These new planes will dramatically improve the comfort and experience of our customers on flights to/from Fiji as we continue our efforts to become the preferred airline of the South Pacific. As a result, as soon as 18 months from now, Hong Kong and other Chinese visitors can expect to be flying to Fiji on our new A330-200s.”

Source - etravelblackboardasia