The domestic and regional subsidiary of Fiji Airways, Fiji Link took delivery of its first brand new ATR 72-600 on operating lease from Singapore-based aircraft leasing company Avation PLC. The acquisition of the new ATR is as part of airline’s dynamic expansion plan to support network growth on its domestic and regional routes in the Pacific Islands, which it today operates on behalf of Fiji Airways. 

The larger capacity, 68-seat ATR 72-600 of the new generation will allow the Fiji Airways Group to enhance connectivity over Fiji’s larger domestic ports Nadi, Suva and Labasa, while boosting frequency of flights to other Pacific island destinations.

The new aircraft will be based at Suva airport where Fiji Link is about to start its first full program of flying to Fiji’ existing domestic and regional destinations while commencing flights on a new route Suva-Apia.

Stefan Pichler, Fiji Airways Group Managing Director and CEO said: “These increases in frequency and capacity demonstrate our commitment to build a global, connected network. This larger capacity modern ATR turboprop comes in the right moment in the airline’s new operational schedule. Only 6 months after the announcement of the airline’s fleet optimization and restructuring fueled by the growth in domestic and regional traffic in the past years, Fiji Link is ready to offer its customers more choice and flexibility of flights, as well as unparalleled passenger comfort.”

The ATR-600 series aircraft will provide Fiji Link with the vital reduced operating and maintenance costs optimizing and reinforcing to maximum its airline’s economics.