Fiji Airways ceo Paul Scurrah has his sights set on the South Island, as well as making the carrier the world’s happiest airline. 
Scurrah says he is looking at how to use FJ’s existing fleet and alliances more efficiently when it comes to growth and more destinations. “We’re looking more towards how do we use the oneworld alliance to pretty much give us a presence anywhere in the world, without necessarily buying new planes and flying new routes.”
This comment follows the addition of flights to Cairns, Dallas Fort Worth and Gold Coast, and Scurrah does admit this is a fair bit to bite off.
But, he adds that the signs have been promising on these routes, and hints that the airline is looking at other opportunities.
“I believe Christchurch is going very well for us, and I believe we can do more into that part of the world,” he adds. Overall, he’s positive about the resilient Kiwi market.
“I think particularly right now we’re seeing demand because people are opting to stay a little closer to home.”
Scurrah says the trade plays a big role in FJ’s success. “We look forward to continuing to work in a positive manner where both parties do well out of it.”
. . . Growing
FJ’s global bookings are up 6% week-on-week compared to last year, while its business class demand is up 16%.
Its My Bubble product, which allows passengers to bid for the seat next to them at a discounted rate, is up 8% year-on-year, it adds. In addition its stopover sector is up 3% year-on-year, though Scurrah says locally this is shifting with the number of Kiwis transitting to the US down slightly.
However this is being offset by a rise in Kiwi travel to Asia, with Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore cited as favoured destinations. “Asia flights are doing incredibly well,” says Scurrah.
