Fiji Airways reported spending $504 million on fuel in 2023, marking a 34 percent increase compared to 2022, according to the annual report released in Parliament on Friday. The rise in fuel expenditure was attributed to higher fuel consumption due to increased flight operations, a drop in fuel prices, and a stronger US dollar.
On August 26, 2023, Fiji Airways welcomed its fourth Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with its ferry flight from Singapore to Nadi utilizing a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend of 30-40 percent, resulting in a carbon reduction of approximately 46,768 kg (47 tons). The airline expressed pride in achieving this milestone as a small island national carrier.
Throughout the remainder of 2023, flights from Singapore to Nadi incorporated a smaller SAF blend of 2-3 percent. Fiji Airways emphasized that the use of sustainable fuels allows airlines to contribute significantly to combating climate change.
In 2023, Fiji Airways also initiated several projects to reduce its environmental footprint, including planting a tree for every take-off and landing, minimizing single-use plastics, and enhancing recycling efforts. The airline affirmed that its sustainability commitments respond to the increasing preferences of environmentally aware travelers.