South Sea Cruises has unveiled Yasawa Flyer III, a new 30-meter, 320-seat fast ferry built by AusShips in Brisbane at a cost of about 14 million dollars. The vessel forms part of an 80 million dollar expansion by Fijian Holdings that also encompasses new vessels, resorts and attractions meant to boost tourism and strengthen ties with Yasawa Island communities.
Replacing the Yasawa Flyer II, which served for 20 years and carried about 2.5 million travellers, the Yasawa Flyer III is projected to carry more than 3.5 million over its lifetime. The ferry is slated for daily operation and is expected to remain a central part of Yasawa transport for the next two decades. A second vessel, the MV Jaguar, is already under construction as part of the same programme.
CEO Brad Rutherford said the Flyer III was designed with quality in mind and not just cost savings. He noted that over the next 20 years this vessel would help drive new developments and growth across accommodation, activities and day-trip offerings. The company also expects the ferry to broaden its reach beyond the budget market to attract a wider range of visitors, spreading the benefits of tourism to locally owned homestays, community businesses and resorts. Rutherford added a strong emphasis on safety: none of these programs would be possible without a solid safety foundation. The Flyer III will also serve island communities that rely on it as the region’s only scheduled service.
Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka called the launch a milestone for maritime transport and tourism, stressing that passenger safety remains critical and that operators must meet maritime standards. He said the vessel would spur investment, open new opportunities and support villages through initiatives such as South Sea Cruises’ Vinaka Fiji Trust.
The Yasawa Flyer III is set to enter service on Monday after introductory voyages this week. The craft is notable for its 33 percent increase in capacity over the Yasawa Flyer II and for features designed to enhance the passenger experience, including an accessible bow for viewing from the front of the vessel. Industry officials have highlighted that, while hybrid or battery technology isn’t yet advanced enough for long open-ocean travel at 22 knots, the Flyer III uses fuel-efficient, state-of-the-art machinery and other modern systems to power its operations. The ship will also carry newer navigational and safety equipment, with real-time trip and destination information facilitated by GPS, and reliable Wi-Fi through Starlink.
Summary: The Yasawa Flyer III marks a significant upgrade in Fiji’s Yasawa transport network, delivering higher capacity, enhanced safety and connectivity, and stronger commitments to local communities and long-term regional growth.
Outlook: This launch signals a sustained focus on modernizing island access, expanding tourism benefits to broader communities, and reinforcing Fiji’s reputation as a premier island destination with responsible, safety-minded growth. If the second vessel MV Jaguar follows, the Yasawa fleet could see even greater resilience and opportunities for local businesses in the years ahead.
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