Fiji Airways has announced the appointment of Paul Scurrah as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1st. Scurrah, who succeeds Andre Viljoen, brings over 20 years of executive experience in aviation, transport, logistics, and tourism, which Chairman Nalin Patel believes positions him well as the airline enters its next phase.
In his previous roles, Scurrah served as the CEO of Pacific National, Australia’s largest private rail freight company, and led Virgin Australia through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating his strong leadership capabilities during crises. His extensive experience also includes key positions at Queensland Rail, DP World Australia, and Rex Airlines.
Patel shared that the decision to appoint Scurrah followed a global search process, reinforcing the board’s confidence in his ability to enhance Fiji Airways’ regional and international presence, while ensuring excellent customer service and fostering national pride in the airline.
The board expressed gratitude for Viljoen’s considerable achievements over the past decade, during which he transformed Fiji Airways into a robust competitor in the aviation market. Under his leadership, the airline saw fleet expansion from 12 to 24 aircraft and revenue growth from $815.3 million in 2015 to a projected $1.9 billion in 2024. Moreover, Fiji Airways earned accolades, including the prestigious 4-star rating from SKYTRAX and the title of ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for consecutive years.
The transition of leadership occurs at an exciting time for Fiji Airways, as it aims to retain its commitment to innovation and customer service amidst an evolving aviation landscape. Optimism surrounds Scurrah’s appointment as a step toward further growth and the continued advancement of local talents within the aviation industry.
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