Fiji Airways has officially appointed Paul Scurrah as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective from November 1, 2025. This announcement comes as the airline prepares for its next chapter following a decade-long tenure of leadership by the outgoing CEO, Andre Viljoen, who is set to transition to Air Mauritius.
Nalin Patel, Chairman of the Fiji Airways Group, expressed strong confidence in Mr. Scurrah’s capabilities to lead the airline forward. Patel emphasized Mr. Scurrah’s extensive executive experience, which spans over two decades across various sectors including aviation, transport, logistics, and tourism. “His proven leadership and results-driven approach, along with a focus on cultural transformation, make him an ideal fit for our future,” Patel stated.
Before joining Fiji Airways, Scurrah served as the CEO of Pacific National, Australia’s largest private rail freight company, where he spearheaded a major transformation program that prioritized operational excellence, safety, and sustainability. His previous role as CEO of Virgin Australia was distinguished by his strategic leadership during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, where he effectively restructured the airline to preserve vital routes and safeguard jobs.
Patel noted that under Mr. Scurrah’s leadership, Fiji Airways aims to continue thriving and uphold its commitment to being the airline of choice within the region and internationally. The assurance of a smooth transition was highlighted, as Mr. Viljoen will remain on the Board of Directors post-transition, which will help maintain continuity in leadership.
Reflecting on Viljoen’s impactful leadership, during his time at the airline, Fiji Airways expanded its fleet from 12 to 24 aircraft and significantly increased its revenue from $815.3 million in 2015 to a projected $1.9 billion in 2024. Under his management, the airline also achieved a prestigious 4-star rating from SKYTRAX and was recognized as the ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for two successive years.
The appointment of Scurrah is seen as a promising opportunity for Fiji Airways to build upon its achievements and further its commitment to innovation and cultural development within the aviation sector. As Fiji Airways embraces this leadership transition, optimism surrounds its potential for growth, sustained service excellence, and the nurturing of local talent, delivering a hopeful outlook for the airline’s future.
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