Fiji Airways’ Managing Director and CEO, Stefan Pichler will leave the airline in February next year.
A statement from Fiji Airways reveals that Pichler has been asked by the German Government to help turnaround Germany’s national airline, Air Berlin, and will return home in February next year to do so.
Fiji Airways’ Chairman, Nalin Patel said the Board of Fiji Airways makes this announcement with great regret but respects Pichler’s decision to respond to the call of his country.
Patel said the board will immediately begin a search for a suitable successor to lead Fiji Airways into the next exciting chapter of its history, which includes more aircraft, more flights and new destinations.
Pichler will continue as a Board Member of Fiji Airways and will assist with the selection and the transition to a successor, as well as with the further strategic development of the Group.
Managing Director and CEO Stefan Pichler said it is with tears in his eyes that he has to leave the most rewarding job in his career.
He said as a Board member, he will help to make sure that Fiji Airways will become the best boutique airline in the world.
Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the government regrets Pichler’s departure but they are extremely confident that the team at Fiji Airways will rise to this situation and continue full speed ahead on their path to success.
Sayed-Khaiyum said the country needs a strong airline to support the government’s economic growth plans and therefore the Government will make sure that Fiji Airways as well as Fiji Link will continue to fly high in the right direction.
