Airlines Fiji Airways launches service from Wellington with 737 Max 8

Fiji Airways will launch service from Wellington to Nada in December 2018 with a new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. The airline will be the first in the region to take up service with one of the more than 4,500 Boeing 737 Max 8 on order around the world. Fiji has been operating flights from Wellington to Nada since 2015.

Mr. Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO said: “We’re excited to announce Wellington as the first airport in New Zealand to receive our brand new B737 MAX 8 aircraft after it arrives factory-fresh. Fiji Airways will combine the state-of-the-art features of the MAX 8 with our world renowned Fijian hospitality on board, giving guests from the New Zealand Capital more than just a comfortable flight to Fiji.”

The 737 Max 8 to go into service in December 2018 is the first of five aircraft Fiji is replacing its existing fleet of B737s with. Another aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2018, the remaining three 737 Max 8 on order will be delivered in 2019.

The aircraft are equipped in a two-class configuration with 170 seats, modern cabin interiors and amenities including seatback inflight entertainment and leather seats, large overhead luggage storage and a CFM International LEAP-1B engine reducing fuel burn. The B737 Max 8 will also have reduced cabin noise.

Fiji Airways operates around 400 flights a week to 10 countries worldwide. Together with Fiji Link, Fiji’s official domestic carrier, the airline operates a fleet of 15 aircraft including Airbus A330-300, A330-200, Boeing 737-800, B737-700, ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600.

Boeing’s 737 Max 8 is part of the Boeing 737 Max family which forms the fourth of the manufacturer’s 737 generations. The program was launched in August 2011 with the first flight in January 2016. FAA certification was issued in March 2017.