National Carrier Names Second Airbus A330 'Island of Namuka-i-Lau', paying homage to 'Fiji Airways' brandmark designer Makereta Matemosi's home island
Air Pacific (soon to be 'Fiji Airways' in June) has today welcomed their second Airbus A330 as it made its maiden voyage to Nadi, Fiji from Toulouse via Los Angeles.
To highlight its role as 'Fiji's flying ambassador and continue a proud tradition of naming its aircraft after Fiji's islands, the new A330 has been named Island of Namuka-i-Lau. This island plays an important role with the soon to be adopted 'Fiji Airways' identity. Namuka-i-Lau native and renowned Fijian Masi artist Makereta Matemosi designed the distinctive Teteva symbol at the heart of the new brandmark and various Masi motifs used in various design elements of the new brand. Namuka-i-Lau is located in Fiji's Lau archipelago and lies northeast of Kabara and south of Moce.
The second of three Airbus A330s ordered in October 2011 and designed exclusively for Fiji's national carrier - the new aircraft carries the new 'Fiji Airways' branding that is authentic, distinctive, and true to the airline's Fijian roots. The aircraft represents state-of-the-art comfort, best-in-class amenities, and the strong future of Air Pacific, which is being renamed 'Fiji Airways' in June of 2013.
On board the aircraft for its inaugural flight were Acting CEO Aubrey Swift, and Permanent Secretary for Fiji's Ministry of Tourism and Public Enterprise, Elizabeth Powell. On the ground in Fiji, the flying ambassador was welcomed with applause as it arrived at the Air Pacific hangar after a low fly over across the Lau Island group. Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum were on hand to welcome the aircraft home.
"We're delighted to receive delivery of our second brand new A330 on schedule and to have introduced the aircraft and the new 'Fiji Airways' livery and design to the United States. Our new A330 fleet will give Fiji a chance to expand services to new and emerging markets and to continue to encourage visitors from the United States to visit Fiji," said Aubrey Swift, Air Pacific Acting CEO.
He continues, "As the flag carrier and national airline of Fiji, we're committed to bringing attention to the nation's beautiful outer islands, many of which have distinct and unique attractions and attributes. We are extremely proud to name our second Airbus A330 Island of Namuka-i-Lau after our Makereta Matemosi's home."
The new aircraft will go into service on June 3rd with a flight to Sydney, one of the airline's most important markets.
Air Pacific's first A330-200 aircraft, Island of Taveuni, arrived in March this year.
These state-of-the-art aircraft feature industry leading capabilities and an enhanced customer experience. These include:
o State-of-the-art in-flight entertainment from Panasonic's eX2 industry-leading in-flight entertainment system, with on-demand audio/video, games, communications and applications that will be available in both Economy and Business Class.
o 24 business and 249 economy class seats are provided by Weber/Zodiac, ensuring optimal comfort for passengers in terms of space, ease of movement, and cushioning.
o Incorporating the Panasonic in-flight entertainment system, each seat will also have a USB and power outlet for computers, iPads, iPods, tablets and similar devices.
"The new A330s allow us to dial up our product offering like never before and once the aircraft are inducted in our fleet and our 'Fiji Airways' brand coming online soon, we are well on our way to offering our customers the best flying experience in the south Pacific."
"This aircraft will deliver improved frequencies across our network, which will create more connectivity options between Fiji and the South Pacific to Australian, Hong Kong, New Zealand, USA and beyond."
Tomorrow, Air Pacific will also see the delivery of their first B737 rebranded in the new 'Fiji Airways' livery and design. Another refreshed B737 will return to the airline in two weeks time.
In June, Air Pacific will be officially re-launched as Fiji Airways. The new brand will include a roll-out across the international marketplace, ticket offices, check-in counters, airport lounge facilities, uniforms and the airline's official website; and a new in-flight experience with enhanced on-board meal offerings across all flights.
All four existing Boeing 737s in the airline's narrow-body fleet will be rebranded and upgraded by September 2013. The third A330 will arrive in November, by which time the airline's B747 fleet will be returned. At this point, the full turnaround and brand transition will be complete.
Business Class Product Features:
- 24 seats in a 2 – 2 – 2 configuration
- 60"seat pitch, lie _at system 8 degree inclined sleeping bed, 76"of bed length
- Integrated privacy divider and modern styling, providing optimised comfort
- In seat entertainment video on demand featuring Panasonic eX2 15.4" LCD screen
- In seat power outlet for the charging of electronic devices such as phones, iPads
- Our main cabin offers in-seat power and video on demand featuring Panasonic's cutting edge technology, in an environment that reflects the natural tonnes of Fiji.
- 249 seats in a 2 – 4 – 2 configuration
- 31 – 32"seat pitch, 6" recline with 1.5"of bottom articulation for a total 7.5" recline
- In seat entertainment video on demand featuring Panasonic eX2 10.6" LCD screen
- In seat power outlet for the charging of electronic devices such as phones & iPad
- Mood lighting simulating sunset and sunrise
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