Punching Above Their Weight Fiji Airways

I’m about to make a big call here, but before I do, let me back it up with some credentials.

I’m a true frequent flyer, Platinum with OneWorld, Gold with Star Alliance. I’ve also worked for two international airlines and subsequently, know a thing or two about the pointy end of a plane.

Here’s the call.

Fiji Airways Business Class on their A350 aircraft is the best business class experience, period. And before you call BS or paid editorial (which this is not) let me explain why.

Airlines around the world have struggled to recover let alone survive at all post-Covid. Staff redundancies followed by staff shortages, lost baggage, delayed flights and reduced catering are all the norm of late. Airlines have been forced to make public apologies, promises to commit to doing better and even offering cash bonuses to make up for some pretty average experiences in the last 12 months.

Covid wasn’t easy for anyone, let alone an international airline whose key market is leisure travel. But rather than fold under pressure, Fiji Airways spent much of their Covid lockdown reinvesting in staff, aircraft, training, safety, frequent flyer programs and their entire on-board service offering.

That was no surprise to those of us who have watched the airline go from strength to strength in the last few years.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airways Andre Viljoen said the airline made a decision in 2016 not to be just another small airline.

“We would never be satisfied with the status quo. Since then, we have continuously introduced improvements in every aspect of our business to be recognised among the best in the world.”

And it’s paying off, with the airline recently winning several accolades, awards and endorsements including the Skytrax Best Airline Service award this year.

“We at Fiji Airways have worked very hard to elevate the airline to a level where it has been recognised as an APEX Five Star Major Airline. This is no easy feat for a carrier our size, based out of a remote location in the South Pacific,” Mr. Viljoen said.

“We punch above our weight and are among the industry giants.”

The on-board experience is really where Fiji Airways sets itself apart from the rest. The aircraft all look sparkling new, even if you’re travelling on an ‘older’ Airbus A330.

My experience was on the newer A350. Premium leather Collins Aerospace Super Diamond, fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 seat configuration with direct aisle access means no one is going to step past you to access the amenities.

A 17 inch personal entertainment screen has both remote control and touch screen with a good choice of latest release and classic movies, TV shows, music, podcasts and inflight information.

There’s a USB port, in-seat power and generous storage space however none of this matched the most surprising three course menu my partner and I had ever experienced.

Fiji Airways’ cabin crew is renowned for their friendliness and service, but the reason I believe they have the best Business Class service is because of their meals.

Execuitive Chef Richard Cross says it’s all about working together, presentation, training and using local ingredients.

The former luxury resort chef (Richard has worked at the likes of Vomo and other South Pacific properties) has designed a menu that not only tastes good, but looks good.

When space is at a premium, he prioritises colour, fresh local ingredients and his own twist on recipes. His kava and cinnamon ice cream creation is something not to be missed!

Business Class menus change quarterly, but on our flight from Sydney, we chose grilled tiger prawn cutlets with sriracha mayo and crispy noodles on a caramelised pineapple bed and the grilled aged tenderloin in a creamy peppercorn sauce and mashed potato.

Each was, without doubt, the best Business Class meal we have had in a very, very long time. Chef Richard said a new wine list and the possible return of an old favourite – the Fiji Rum cocktail are planned for 2023.

Fiji Airways’ frequent flyer program, Tabua Club is well worth joining should you plan to travel within or to and from the South Pacific islands. Rewards include upgrade credits which you can apply for on any Fiji Airways international flight, whether it be from Port Vila to Nadi, Apia to Honolulu or Melbourne to Los Angeles.

For more information got to www.fijiairways.com. Tiffany Carroll •