Fiji Airways expands US routes amid shifting international alliances

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Fiji Airways expands US routes amid shifting international alliances

Research

Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

By Sky Industry News

Jul 11, 2024

Fiji Airways will launch non-stop service from Dallas-Fort Worth to Nadi, Fiji. This route aligns with the carrier's recent full membership in oneworld and its adoption of American Airlines' AAdvantage as its frequent flyer program. Speculation suggests that Seattle, home to oneworld member Alaska Airlines, may be added as a future destination.

The new service will operate on their Airbus A350 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Historically, passengers have not earned points flying Fiji Airways except through partners. Most travelers visit Fiji infrequently, choosing the airline primarily for its destination offerings. The airline competes one-stop via Nadi for routes to Australia and New Zealand.

Already an American AAdvantage partner, Fiji Airways offers connections from Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra) and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington) to Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong, the United States, and Canada. In North America, it currently serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Vancouver.

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These strategic moves by the airline aim to enhance its role beyond just transportation to Fiji. More travelers are expected to choose Fiji due to improved connectivity and increased attention as an AAdvantage partner.

Fiji Airways is majority-owned by the government of Fiji but also has stakes held by Air New Zealand and Qantas as well as the governments of Nauru, Samoa, Kiribati, and Tonga. As a state carrier, its growth in the U.S. market and deepening U.S. partnerships are part of broader shifts in Fiji’s international alliances. These changes include recalibrating relations with China while increasing engagement with Western partners.

The country's political landscape has experienced significant instability recently. Former Prime Minister Bainimarama and suspended police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho were acquitted of charges related to interfering in a corruption investigation. Additionally, concerns have been raised about potential military involvement in government decisions under the current Prime Minister. Strengthening Western partnerships that boost the economy could provide stability.