Fiji Airways, Fiji’s national airline, has today announced that it has secured vital support from the Fijian Government, in the form of sovereign guarantees to support urgent financing actions required to tide the company through the COVID-19 crisis, and the expected slow ramp up of travel demand thereafter.
Fiji Airways will continue operating dedicated freighter services to support the vital supply chain for Fiji’s export sector, and more generally to support the Fijian economy as a whole. These freight services have greatly benefitted primary producers, farmers, fisherfolk, workers, exporters and consumers.
Between 1 April to 14 May, the airline carried over 1000 tonnes of freight between Fiji and key trading partners like Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Hong Kong. Just over 622 tonnes of freight carried were exports, comprising of fresh produce (75%), garments (14%), Kava (6%) and seafood (3%). Inbound freight consisted of consignments important to Fijian businesses, as well as essential supplies like vaccines, test kits, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
Mr. Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO said: “Governments around the world have publicly acknowledged the important role airlines play, both in terms of providing an essential service (transportation) and facilitating tourism and trade, and have taken action to ensure that airlines survive the COVID-19 crisis. Similar support has been provided by various governments, even for legacy national carriers which are now privatised. We are grateful to the Fijian Government and the Fijian people for recognising the vital role of Fiji’s national carrier.”
