The Yasawa Flyer III has been unveiled as Fiji’s latest leap in island transportation, a 30-meter fast ferry designed to boost reliability, capacity, and regional growth in the Yasawa archipelago. With a capacity of 320 passengers, the new vessel replaces the Yasawa Flyer II, which served for two decades and carried about 2.5 million travellers.
Partnering with Aus Ships Group in Brisbane, South Sea Cruises says the Flyer III is part of an about $80 million investment plan by Fijian Holdings that will add new vessels, resorts and attractions to broaden the reach and benefits of tourism. The Flyer III is expected to carry more than 3.5 million people over its lifetime, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of Yasawa transport for years to come.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka described the project as more than just a number, emphasizing the stories, journeys and connections it will foster across the islands. He highlighted that the vessel will support not only the travel needs of tourists but also everyday life for Yasawa residents by ensuring safe and consistent access. The Flyer III is anticipated to attract travelers from across Fiji’s tourism spectrum—backpackers, families, couples and premium visitors—while spreading the benefits of tourism to locally owned homestays, community businesses and resorts.
Safety and standards are central to the project. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji oversees all vessels, ensuring compliance with the highest requirements. Gavoka underscored that passenger safety is a legal obligation for every operator and non-negotiable for Fiji’s tourism reputation and national integrity.
In addition to capacity gains, the Yasawa Flyer III features significant comfort and technology upgrades. It will be the first fast ferry in Fiji equipped with a full active ride control system, designed to reduce roll in moderate to rough seas by up to 40 percent. The vessel also integrates modern navigational and safety equipment, reliable Starlink internet for Wi-Fi, GPS for real-time trip information, and an accessible bow for passenger viewing.
Operationally, the Flyer III will be fuel-efficient, reflecting current technology limits for long open-ocean travel at 22 knots. The project emphasizes safety and efficiency as the foundation for broader growth in Yasawa communities, with the bow’s viewing access also boosting passenger experience.
Ownership and broader strategy are clear. The Yasawa Flyer III is 100 percent Fijian-owned under Fijian Holdings, reinforcing national capacity and local control. It sits within a bold $80 million investment plan that includes new vessels, resorts and attractions, designed to strengthen Yasawa’s ties to the wider Fiji economy. The launch also signals continued commitment to local communities, with the plan supporting village development and the Vinaka Fiji Trust initiative linked to broader tourism benefits.
Looking ahead, the program envisions ongoing improvements with a second vessel, the MV Jaguar, already under construction as part of the same initiative. Delivery of the Flyer III is expected in mid-2025, with service anticipated soon after, marking a new chapter in safe, modern island transport and expanded tourism opportunities for Yasawa and its communities.
What this means for Yasawa and Fiji
– A major capacity upgrade (33 percent more than the Yasawa Flyer II) to accommodate growing demand and expand access.
– Strong safety framework and regulatory compliance as a core operating principle.
– Local ownership and long-term commitment to community development through tourism growth.
– Enhanced visitor experience with onboard connectivity, real-time information, and accessible viewing.
– A broader investment strategy aimed at diversifying tourism offerings and improving island resilience.
Summary: The Yasawa Flyer III represents a major upgrade in Fiji’s Yasawa transport network, delivering higher capacity, advanced safety features, and enhanced connectivity while underpinning a broader $80 million plan to grow tourism and support local communities. The project signals long-term confidence in Fiji’s future growth and the Yasawa Islands’ pivotal role within it.
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