Historic day as Fiji Airways starts direct flight to New Caledonia

It is a historic day for Fiji Airways as it started its direct flight to New Caledonia with the inaugural flight leaving for Noumea this morning.

Nitya Nand Sharma, who will be travelling with his wife Priya Devi on the inaugural flight says, they have travelled to many countries, and this is the first time they will be travelling to New Caledonia for their mini-vacation.

Sharma, who is a businessman from Ba, says he is very excited and happy to be part of the first flight.

He says they have booked a hotel in New Caledonia and will be returning next Thursday.

Fiji Airways says with the inclusion of twice weekly flights between Nadi International Airport and La Tontouta International Airport in Noumea from today, the National Airline now services 26 international destinations.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Andre Viljoen says New Caledonia has great potential, especially for their transit guests.

Viljoen says there is a growing demand for connectivity across the Pacific and the world, and they stand ready to fill this need when and where possible.

The National Airline will provide twice weekly services every Monday and Thursday between Nadi and Noumea, with flights timed to connect seamlessly with their onward global connections. He says New Caledonia being a French territory, there is a lot of traffic between France and Noumea.

Fiji Airways is also looking forward to increased travel between Nadi and New Caledonia as these direct flights open up new tourism opportunities in both countries.

Viljoen says there is also a notable Fijian population in New Caledonia who can now easily visit family and friends on the airline rated the Best Airline in Australia and the Pacific for 2023 by SKYTRAX.

Fiji Airways staff Rosemary Steele and Mereani Baleikatuba, who won the inaugural flight tickets, say they are very excited about the first-ever flight to New Caledonia.

They say they are happy and glad to win the tickets through their internal intensive competition based on their performances.

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players Meli Derenalagi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Waqa Nalaqa and Fiji 7s stars Waisea Nacuqu and Lavenia Tinai are also on the inaugural flight.