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Flying on a Special Fiji Airways A330 Media Flight

By Jason Rabinowitz, on June 6th, 2013 at 11:16 am

Flying only 900 feet above Fiji was not too shabby.

A media flight is always a special event, but there are a few things that can make it even more special. So how special is a media flight that also happens to be a delivery flight flown by two Airbus “expert pilots” who preformed a 2 hour low altitude fly by with the airline CEO on board as well as the artist responsible for the airlines brand new image? Yea, that is special. What else could Air Pacific, soon to be Fiji Airways, possibly have added to this flight to make it more special? I can’t think of anything. This is the story of a small airline that made a big impression.

Air Pacific is re-branding in a big way, which I detailed in a review of their new Airbus A330. To help promote these big changes, Fiji Airways in cooperation with Tourism Fiji invited a small handful of travel bloggers and journalists, as well as one #AvGeek (me), to fly out to Fiji and witness the delivery ceremonies of their second new Airbus A330.

Continue reading Flying on a Special Fiji Airways A330 Media Flight

Flying Business Class on Fiji Airways New Airbus A330

By Jason Rabinowitz, on June 3rd, 2013 at 8:45 am

The tiny Pacific island of Fiji has a national airline just as tiny. Air Pacific, however, dreams big and their dream just came true. In just a few short days, the Air Pacific name will be retired, ushering in the era of Fiji Airways, and more importantly, a new fleet.

After a time of financial difficulty, Air Pacific has rebounded to profitability, and decided it was time to replace their aging 747-400 long-haul fleet. Initially ordering and later cancelling a fleet of eight Boeing 787s, Air Pacific ordered three Airbus A330-200s in late 2011, the second of which was delivered last week. These airplanes represent everything that is new about the tiny airline, inside and out.

Continue reading Flying Business Class on Fiji Airways New Airbus A330

Fiji Airways (aka Air Pacific) Takes Delivery of First Airbus A330

By David Parker Brown, on March 26th, 2013 at 2:54 am

Fiji Airways first Airbus A330. Image from Fiji Airways.

I love a good story on an airline’s name change, an updated livery or taking delivery of a new aircraft type. What can I say about one story that incorporates all three? That is what you get with Air Pacific changing their name (and livery) to Fiji Airways and taking delivery of their first Airbus A330.

The aircraft, named Island of Taveuni, was delivered from Toulouse France via Hong Kong to Nadi, Fiji. The A330 will be used to replace the older Boeing 747-400′s operated by Air Pacific. The new plane will offer 40% less CO2 emissions, which also means a reduction in fuel costs. The plane is configured with 24 business and 249 economy class seats.

BONUS: Check out our story on Fiji Airways from October 2012

Although the airline has already taken delivery of their new plane with the new name on the side, the official name change won’t happen and the aircraft won’t enter full service until June 2013.

Fiji Airways Airbus A330 receives a water cannon salute. Photo from Fiji Airways.

Fiji Airways expects to take delivery of their second A330 in May and the third in November. They will retire their 747-400s and update their 737s with the new brand by the end of 2013.

“The arrival of our first new Airbus A330 carrying the new ‘Fiji Airways’ brand and Island of Taveuni name represents an exciting future that is rooted in our more than 60-year history and service to the people of Fiji as the nation’s flying ambassador,” said Dave Pflieger, Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO.

CATCH MORE FIJI AIRWAYS GOODNESS:

This story written by… David Parker Brown, Editor & Founder. David started AirlineReporter.com in the summer of 2008, but has had a passion for aviation since he was a kid. Born and raised in the Seattle area (where he is currently based) has surely had an influence and he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world.

@AirlineReporter | Flickr | YouTube

Hawaiian Airlines Starts Service to New Zealand with an A330

By Brandon Farris, on March 18th, 2013 at 10:51 am

Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 receiving a nice farewell. Photo from Hawaiian Airlines.

This past week, Hawaiian Airlines launched another new route to its network: Honolulu to Auckland, New Zealand. The new service will use their 294-seat Airbus A330-200.

The new service will be three days a week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Honolulu (HA 445) and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Auckland (HA 446). This new route makes Hawaiian the only US carrier to serve Auckland.

“We have been delighted by the interest in our new service, both here at home and in New Zealand,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO. “The deep cultural connections between our islands and the islands of Aotearoa make New Zealand a natural destination for Hawaiian and for our singular brand of authentic Hawaiian hospitality.”

Hawaiian Dancers celebrate the New Zealand flight. Photo from Hawaiian Airlines.

“The United States is a vital market for New Zealand leisure and business travel, and is a key focus for our marketing efforts given the significant potential for growth that exists,” Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive Kevin Bowler stated.

This is the first of three new services announced to launch this year, along with Sendai, Japan and Taipei, Taiwan. In the last couple of years the airline’s aggressive expansion has included numerous routes to Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Tahiti, American Samoa and increased service to Australia.

The inaugural flight of HA 445 was celebrated with gate side festivities that included Hawaiian music and hula, a performance honoring the Maori culture and a traditional Hawaiian blessing

Hawaiian Airlines Maori Dancers during inaugural celebration. Photo from Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines has also announced that it plans to move up its Portland to Honolulu Airbus A330-200 launch date as it is taking earlier than expected delivery of new aircraft. The route is currently flown using a Boeing 767. Portland can now expect the A330 to start service on April 20th, which is about three weeks early.

The airline has been in the process of replacing their aging Boeing 767-300’s and has also announced orders for the Airbus A321neo as they continue their rapid expansion across the Pacific.

This story written by…Brandon Farris, Correspondent.

Brandon is an avid aviation geek based in Seattle. He got started in Photography and Reporting back in 2010. He loves to travel where ever he has to to cover the story and try to get the best darn shot possible.

@BrandonsBlog | RightStuffPhotography | Flickr

Epic Video: Korean Air Lands and Takes Off at LAX — Gangnam Style

By David Parker Brown, on November 11th, 2012 at 4:00 pm

I have almost gotten over my addiction with Gangnam Style (don’t judge me), sung by South Korean author Psy. It does not help when SpeedbirdHD recently posted a video highlighting Korean Air flights to/from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the song Gangnam Style. Two of my favorite things combined, equals I want to share. The video shows Korean Air’s Airbus A380, A330, Boeing 747-400 and 777-300ER at LAX.

Even if you are sick and tired of the song, hit mute or put on your own tunes and watch this video.

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Flying on a Special Fiji Airways A330 Media Flight

Flying Business Class on Fiji Airways New Airbus A330

Fiji Airways (aka Air Pacific) Takes Delivery of First Airbus A330

Hawaiian Airlines Starts Service to New Zealand with an A330

Epic Video: Korean Air Lands and Takes Off at LAX — Gangnam Style