Fiji Airways has officially announced the upcoming resignation of Andre Viljoen, the airline’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, who will step down in October 2025. After a decade of substantial leadership, Viljoen will transition to serve as CEO at Air Mauritius, marking a significant career move as he returns to his home country.
The Chairman of Fiji Airways, Nalin Patel, expressed heartfelt gratitude for Viljoen’s leadership, stating that under his guidance, the airline has achieved remarkable progress. Annual revenues have surged significantly, from FJ$ 815.3 million in 2015 to a projected FJ$ 1.9 billion in 2024. Additionally, Fiji Airways has made notable improvements in its global standing, climbing from the 102nd position in 2015 to 14th place this year, along with attaining a 4-star rating from SKYTRAX.
Patel highlighted several key accomplishments during Viljoen’s tenure. The airline has been recognized as the ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for two consecutive years and has retained the APEX Five Star Major Airline rating for the past three years. Viljoen also played a pivotal role in establishing the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, which is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators to enhance pilot training standards and operational efficiency.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Viljoen’s implementation of the ‘Future-Fit Ready Strategy’ enabled Fiji Airways to navigate through challenging times, operating 523 repatriation flights and transporting over 17,000 tons of freight while many airlines shut down. This strategic foresight allowed the airline to be among the first to resume services to Australia and New Zealand, positioning it for exceptional growth following the pandemic.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, Viljoen will remain on the Board of Directors of Fiji Airways post-transition. Patel reassured that there is no conflict of interest with Air Mauritius, as both airlines operate in different markets, and noted the potential for collaboration utilizing similar aircraft types.
Fiji Airways will conduct a thorough search for Viljoen’s successor, advertising the position both internally and internationally to identify the most suitable candidate. This leadership transition is seen as an opportunity for the airline to continue its forward momentum in the aviation industry while maintaining its commitment to strategic growth and excellence.
For the wider aviation sector, this development signals hope and potential for continued innovation and leadership in airline operations, especially as Fiji Airways remains dedicated to fostering local talent and enhancing its overall service quality.
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