Fiji Airways’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Andre Viljoen is set to depart from his role later this year. The national airline confirmed this milestone in a statement, indicating that Viljoen has accepted a position as Chief Executive at Air Mauritius.
Nalin Patel, the Board Chair of Fiji Airways, expressed deep appreciation for Viljoen’s significant contributions over the past decade. Under his stewardship, Fiji Airways has experienced a remarkable transformation—its SKYTRAX rating improved to four stars, and its global ranking surged from 102nd in 2015 to an impressive 14th last year. The airline has also been recognized as the ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for two consecutive years and has achieved the APEX 5-Star Major Airline rating continuously for the last three years.
The fleet of Fiji Airways has expanded dramatically, doubling from 12 to 24 aircraft since 2015, which now includes four new generation Airbus A350s celebrated for their modernity and fuel efficiency. Financially, the airline has thrived, with annual revenue rising from $815.3 million in 2015 to $1.9 billion last year.
Among his key achievements, Viljoen successfully oversaw the establishment of the world-class Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, which is now equipped with four state-of-the-art full-flight simulators. This initiative has not only improved cost efficiency but has also elevated the quality of pilot training, allowing more Fijians to pursue careers as pilots while attracting major clients like Air Tahiti, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
Additionally, Patel acknowledged Viljoen’s foresight with the ‘Future-Fit Ready Strategy’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was crucial for the airline’s survival and swift recovery when borders reopened. During this challenging time, Fiji Airways operated 523 repatriation flights and transported 17,825 tons of freight—staying operational when many airlines ceased activities.
Despite his resignation, Viljoen will remain on the Board of Directors without any conflict of interest, as Fiji Airways and Air Mauritius target different markets. The search for a new Managing Director and CEO will be thorough, involving both internal and external candidates.
Fiji Airways’ future looks promising, with the airline continuing its legacy of excellence and dedication to both local talent and diverse leadership, suggesting that positive changes and opportunities lie ahead in the aviation sector.
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