Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
7 May, 2026, 6:35 am
Central - 23°C Rain
IN DEPTH
7 May, 2026, 6:35 am Central - 23°C Rain

Fiji Airways striving for world-class to compete with top airlines

Fiji Airways striving for world-class to compete with top airlines

By Alipate Narawa
04/09/2025

Fiji Airways is striving for excellence and punching above their weight as they try and break their way into "world-class" among the top airlines in the world.

Fiji Airways Chief Customer Officer, Akuila Batiweti says to achieve this, over the last six months, they have had to change everything including their entire menu.

Batiweti says they want guests to see how naturally happy we are as people, and they have chosen three drivers being heartfelt, detail-driven, and positive.

He says you will see all these in their Pacific Rim inspired menu as we are surrounded by some amazing cuisine, not only Fiji, but around the Pacific, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

air

He says they get a lot of their microgreens from Taveuni, chocolates from all over Fiji as well as fresh juices.

The Customer Officer says they have this wonderful Vau flower that they put on board made by women in Fiji.

foiji

Batiweti says they fly for Fiji, which means they need to have more Fiji on board, and what they are finding today is that when they put more Fiji on board, it's allowed their crew to actually tell stories, because they identify with what they are serving on board.

He also says they now have soft dining where you can order whatever on the menu no matter the time, for example one could have breakfast for the whole flight.

Fiji Airways Executive Chef, Rafaele Galuvakadua says it is all about using modern techniques to elevate the local dishes that we have.

Galuvakadua says its about having the same experience that you would have in a resort at 35,000 feet in the air, closer to heaven.

He says he has a team of 15 chefs but the army of the kitchen is the Air Terminal Services team.

FEATURE NEWS
Cost of living and rising food prices a near-consensus national crisis - Dialogue Fiji
The cost of living crisis is now the biggest issue affecting Fijians, with nearly one in two Fijians identifying it as their main concern. The finding...
13 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Hearing date set for Rabuka’s stay application in Malimali ruling case on 1st June
The hearing on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s stay application on High Court's decision that found Barbara Malimali's dismissal as FICAC ...
13 hours ago

Cane Growers Council and NFU oppose proposed closure of Rarawai and Lautoka tramline operations
The Sugar Cane Growers Council and the National Farmers Union are strongly opposing Fiji Sugar Corporation's proposal to discontinue tramline ...
13 hours ago

Radrodro urged to follow law and stop appointing Old Boys to Govt positions - Manumanunitoga
The Minister for Education is being urged to follow proper procedures and legal requirements by advertising vacant positions and allowing them to ...
13 hours ago

Valenitabua and Dr Gounder to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk at 7 tonight
Chairman of the Constitution Review Commission, Sevuloni Valenitabua and Commission member, Doctor Neelesh Gounder, will appear on fijivillage ...
14 hours ago

Bushells Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea launched to support the fight against cancer
The 21st edition of Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea has been officially launched in Suva, with a strong focus on raising awareness, supporting cancer ...
15 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Coca-Cola Games 2026 Coverage
I could not contain my emotions when we won today because its been 33 years we have been trying to win the Coca-Cola Games and I'm really proud of ...
3 days ago

Seaqaqa and Labasa cane farmers fear for livelihood due non-renewal of leases
While hundreds of leases have been renewed, non-renewals and subdivision of cane land for residential use in Seaqaqa are leaving many farming ...
8 days ago

Citizens to oppose proposed TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda
Serious concerns are being raised regarding a proposed Australian company's TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, and a group of concerned ...
9 days ago

TOP