Pflieger to leave Air Pacific in May

Air Pacific’s chief executive officer and managing director Dave Pflieger will leave the airline company in May this year.

Air Pacific chairman Nalin Patel said Pflieger has notified the board of directors of his decision to leave the airline and return to the US following the completion of his three year contract on May 1st.

Patel confirmed that the board will immediately begin the recruitment process for the airline’s next managing director and CEO.

At the board’s request, Pflieger will assist with the selection and help ensure a smooth and successful introduction of the airline’s new aircraft and Fiji Airways rebranding.

The first of the three wide-body A330s will arrive mid next month and Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and Pflieger have gone to inspect the plane in France.

Pflieger said as Air Pacific prepares to fly as Fiji Airways with brand new planes, a strong profit and loss, and balance sheet positions, and international awards for being one of the best airlines in the world, it is clear the company now has a proven track record of success and an exciting future ahead.  

During Pflieger’s three year tenure at Air Pacific, he restored the airline to profitability in just two years, reversing record operating losses of $12 million and $91 million to a $16 million profit.

Pflieger said the tremendous accomplishments have been realized over the past three years with the support of the board and the people who work for the airline.


Story by: Vijay Narayan