Air Pacific
Air Pacific Limited is Fiji’s national flag carrier and is based in Nadi, Fiji Islands. Its main hub is Nadi International Airport and secondary hub is Nausori International Airport. Its international flights are concentrated around the Pacific, Japan and North America.
Air Pacific was formerly known as Fiji Airways. It was founded by Harold Charles Gatty, an Australian aviator, inventor and navigator. Gatty was once known as “Prince of Navigators” a name given to him by Charles Lindbergh. After an illustrious career, Gatty relocated to Fiji with his Dutch-born second wife and formed the airline company.
In 1951, Fiji Airways started its domestic services using aircraft such as De Havilland Herons, Dragon Rapides, Drovers, DC3s, Hawker Siddeley 748s and McDonnell Douglas Turbo Beaver. In 1971, Fiji Airways changed its name to Air Pacific, the same time that they changed their fleet to Aerospace BAC1-11s and HS748.
Air Pacific had their first flight to Auckland in 1974, to Brisbane in 1975 via Noumea and Honolulu in 1983.
In 1985, the airline formalized their management support agreement with Qantas. Air Pacific is now owned by the Fiji Government with 51% stake and Qantas with 46.32% share. Minor stakeholders include Air New Zealand and governments of Samoa, Nauru, Tonga and Kiribati. Around 771 are employed with the company.
In 2007, Air Pacific acquired Sun Air, a domestic airline. It was later rebranded as Pacific Sun and became Air Pacific’s domestic and regional subsidiary.
To date, Air Pacific’s fleet include Britten-Norman Islander, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, ATR42-500, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-300ER, Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 787-9.
Domestic and International Destinations
At present, Air Pacific has a fleet size of 14 aircraft and flies to 17 domestic and international destinations specifically East Asia, North America and Oceania.
On the domestic front, it flies to Kudavu, Labasa, Molololailai, Mana Island, Nadi, Savusavu, Suva (in Nausori Airport) and Taveuni.
Worldwide destinations include Hong Kong in China; Tokyo in Japan; Honolulu and Los Angeles in the United States of America (USA); Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast in Australia; Kirimati and Tarawa in Kiribati; Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand; Apia in Samoa; Honiara in Solomon Islands; Nuku’alofa in Tonga; Funafuti in Tuvalu; and Port Vila in Vanuatu.
Tabua Club
Tabua, (pronounced Tam-bua) means polished tooth of a sperm whale, is highly regarded by Fijians as a prized possession. It is not sold or bought but is only handed from family to family and giving it as a gift is a long held tradition. A tabua presented as a gift means ultimate respect. The tabua is regarded as a cultural item and cannot be removed from Fiji without the necessary permits.
In advertising the Tabua means a trusted symbol or brand, thus Air Pacific branded their lounge membership as Tabua Club. It provides its members privileges such as priority reservation, dedicated check-in counter, priority baggage tagging, extra baggage allowance of up to 10 kgs., and lounge access at Nadi Airport and affiliate international lounges including Los Angeles, Honolulu, Vancouver, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Christchurch and Narita.
Downloadable forms are available at Air Pacific website for membership applications. There are two types of membership, the Corporate Membership which requires a minimum of five registrants and Individual Membership. For interested companies, Partnership Memberships are also available. Fees apply and you can choose between one- or two-year membership validity.
Air Pacific has a partnership with Qantas and American Airlines for their frequent flyer programmes. Members of these airlines’ frequent flyer programme can earn points every time they fly with Air Pacific.
Travel Classes
Air Pacific has two classes, the Pacific Voyager Class (economy class) and Tabua Class (business class), in all their international services. In flight amenities include entertainment such as movies, music and TV programs, interactive games (in selected aircraft), South Pacific cuisine and a selection of international wines, spirits and beers. For those flying with meal restrictions because of religious, cultural or medical/dietary concerns, prior request is required.