Fiji Airways announces additional service from Christchurch to Fiji

Increased frequency opens up options for South Island travellers

Fiji Airways has today announced it is introducing an additional Christchurch – Nadi service to its schedule.

The airline currently operates a weekly Sunday departure, and will be introducing a Tuesday service for the month of July 2014. The flights are on sale now.

Fiji Airways is the only airline to operate a year-round direct service from Christchurch to Fiji, and has been flying from Christchurch to Fiji for more than 20 years.

Stefan Pichler, Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO says the supplementary service makes it easier for South Island passengers to fly direct to Fiji, and on to the US without an additional domestic New Zealand connection.

“The new service opens up our global network to South Islanders as we are offering an additional weekly connection on to Los Angeles and Honolulu. In addition, the departure time has been chosen to not only appeal to Cantabrians, but the greater South Island market with connections possible from over six South Island regional points.

“We are confident this supplementary service will prove popular, and are working towards additional flights later,” says Mr Pichler.

Christchurch Airport CEO, Jim Boult says the additional Fiji Airways service reflects the strength in the Canterbury and South Island economies, and the strong interest in travel to Fiji and North America.

“This is the first time since 2000 that Fiji Airways has operated so many frequencies from Christchurch to Fiji. The additional service provides us with a brilliant opportunity to increase passenger loading from Christchurch.

“The total market size of South Island residents travelling to Fiji or North America is almost 50,000 in the last 12 months, and growing. Fiji Airways has seen this opportunity and responded which is great news for South Island travellers,” says Mr Boult.

To support the additional Tuesday service, Christchurch Airport, in collaboration with partners will host a famil and travel programme for stakeholders to better understand the travel options and opportunities the new schedule provides, including visits to Fiji and North America.