Fiji Airways has expanded its aviation academy, enabling employees to undertake key training and certification in Fiji.
The airline’s CEO, Mr Andre Viljoen said that the expansion of the airline’s aviation training centre is a significant milestone not only for the national airline but also for the entire Pacific aviation sector.
FIJI AIRWAYS AVIATION ACADEMY
Viljoen explained that the airline’s aviation academy now has two new simulators. One for the Airbus A350, and the other for the ATR-72.
In addition, the training academy also has two new CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices devices for two other aircraft types – the Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8.
Fiji Airways Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Andre Viljoen, stated, “The addition of these new full flight simulators for the A350 and ATR aircraft is a significant step forward for the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy. It highlights our dedication to providing the highest standards of training and safety for our pilots and engineers and reinforces our commitment to establishing Fiji as a regional leader in aviation excellence. By bringing advanced training technology directly to Fiji, we ensure that our pilots and engineers have the tools they need to excel in their careers.”
Since its opening in December 2019, Fiji Airways’ Aviation Academy has achieved remarkable milestones, including maintaining the currency of its national technical crew through the COVID period, facilitating the progression of 34 national pilots in seat positions, undertaking 45 Type Ratings for national pilots new to type, supporting 74 foreign license conversions, re-integrating 13 Fijian pilots returning from overseas employment, and providing the venue for training over 600 local cabin crew.
TRAINING AND SAFETY
Training is key in the aviation sector. It enables airlines to adhere to regulatory and safety standards by ensuring staff are certified.
However, having to attend training in faraway locations is costly and disruptive for airline operators as staff have to leave their homes for periods of time to train in other locations where training is available.
For airlines in small island states like Fiji, possessing onsite training facilities is a huge benefit.
“Providing the highest standards of training and safety has always been paramount for Fiji Airways. This investment reinforces our commitment to that principle and solidifies our position as a regional leader in aviation excellence.” He said.
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FIJI AIRWAYS EMPOWERS PEOPLE
That said, the ability to train employees is not just about being able to comply with regulations and save costs for an airline.
Having onsite training facilities enables Fiji Airways to hire more people, skill up employees and thus make an impact on local lives.
The airline therefore contributes to the upliftment of Fiji’s community as well as the growth of the economy.
“But it’s about more than technology. It’s about empowering local talent, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and contributing to the growth of the aviation industry in Fiji and beyond.” Viljoen said.
FIJI AIRWAYS
Fiji’s national carrier is on a growth trajectory with several new developments taking place in recent times.
In June the carrier joined the Oneworld alliance, becoming Oneworld’s 15th full-member airline.
This is after serving as an Oneworld Connect partner airline for the past five years.
Fiji Airways has also partnered up with other airlines, through codeshare agreements. Thus, extending its reach for travellers.
GROWTH TRAJECTORY
Fiji Airways has made great strides in recent years, under the direction of Andre Viljoen, a former CEO of South African Airways.
Viljoen left South African Airways in 2004.
With years of experience in the aviation sector, Viljoen has indeed transformed Fiji Airways.
The airline has grown substantially, opening new routes and increasing connectivity with codeshare and interline agreements with various major carriers.
