Fiji Airways has officially announced that Andre Viljoen, its Managing Director and CEO, will transition to the position of CEO at Air Mauritius in October 2025 after a decade of leadership in Fiji. Viljoen’s tenure at Fiji Airways has been marked by transformative changes and significant achievements, including enhancing the airline’s global ranking from 102nd in 2015 to 14th in 2024 and attaining a prestigious SKYTRAX 4-Star rating.
Chairman Nalin Patel expressed deep gratitude for Viljoen’s contributions, highlighting key milestones such as fleet expansion from 12 to 24 aircraft, which includes the addition of Airbus A350s, and revenue growth from FJ$815.3 million in 2015 to FJ$1.9 billion in 2024. He was also commended for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully orchestrating 523 repatriation flights and being the first airline to resume services to Australia and New Zealand after lockdown.
Following his transition, Viljoen will remain on the board of Fiji Airways. The airline has stated there is no conflict of interest with Air Mauritius and looks forward to potential collaboration opportunities where shared aircraft types could play a role.
A global search for Viljoen’s successor will commence soon, with the position being advertised both locally and internationally. This leadership transition presents a new chapter for Fiji Airways, continuing its upward trajectory in the aviation industry.
This development is heartening not only as a milestone for Fiji Airways but also for the broader aviation landscape, showcasing successful transitions and the potential for growth and innovation within the airline. The airline’s commitment to developing its leadership team and focusing on strategic expansion positions it well for the future.
Leave a comment