FIJI AIRWAYS – 75 YEARS OF CONNECTING FIJI TO THE WORLD

Seventy-five years ago, on 1 September 1951, a de Havilland Dragon Rapide departed Nausori on Fiji Airways’ first commercial flight, bound for Drasa near Lautoka.

From that modest beginning came a journey that would grow alongside Fiji itself.

Today, Fiji Airways represents far more than air travel. It connects our people, our communities and our islands with the world. It brings visitors to our shores, supports the tourism industry, strengthens trade and business connections, reunites families and carries the name of Fiji across international borders every day.

Tourism today accounts for around 40 percent of our GDP, directly and indirectly, and supports close to 120,000 jobs; more than a third of all employment in Fiji. Fiji Airways carries roughly 70 percent of all visitors who arrive here by air, making it the single most important artery sustaining that industry, and with it, the livelihoods of thousands of Fijian families.

Its story is also the story of generations of Fijians who have served the airline over the past 75 years. Pilots, cabin crew, engineers, ground staff, operational teams and many others have each played a part in building and sustaining our national carrier.

As Minister responsible for Tourism and Civil Aviation, I acknowledge the important partnership between Government and Fiji Airways in advancing Fiji’s connectivity and supporting the continued development of our tourism and aviation sectors.

On behalf of the Government, I congratulate the Board, management and staff of Fiji Airways, past and present, on reaching this historic milestone.

We honour those who began the journey in 1951, those who have carried it forward, and the generation that will take Fiji Airways into its next chapter.

Happy 75th Anniversary, Fiji Airways.

Vinaka vakalevu.

Hon. Viliame R. Gavoka

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation