Fiji stands out as a truly unique gem in the South Pacific, boasting over 300 islands that create a stunning tropical paradise. With the growing trend of long-haul premium leisure travel, Fiji seems like an ideal candidate for expansion on a US airline’s route map. While airlines like United already fly to exotic locations such as Tahiti and Christchurch, Fiji remains an untapped market for US carriers. Currently, Fiji Airways, the national airline, dominates this space, offering flights to four US destinations with its fleet of 14 aircraft. These include daily Airbus A350 flights to Los Angeles, weekly Boeing 737 MAX 8 flights to Honolulu, and thrice-weekly A350 services to both Dallas/Fort Worth and San Francisco. Despite the potential, no US airline has ventured into this market yet.
In 2024, a significant development occurred with the signing of an Open Skies agreement between the United States and Fiji. This agreement allows airlines from both countries to launch new routes without restrictions, a shift from the previous requirement of obtaining route authorities. Historically, US airlines have been absent from the Fiji market, largely due to Fiji Airways’ stronghold on route authorities. However, the rise of airline partnerships in the 1990s and beyond has changed the landscape. Fiji Airways, a member of the oneworld alliance, has codeshare agreements with major carriers like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. This means that while American and Alaska don’t fly their own planes to Fiji, they still offer services through these partnerships, providing benefits to their frequent flyers.
While Fiji may not be a massive market, with Fiji Airways operating a modest fleet and serving 27 destinations, it holds potential similar to other small leisure destinations now served by US airlines. United Airlines’ successful routes to secondary airports in Spain and Portugal, once considered unlikely, demonstrate the possibilities. As the travel industry continues to evolve, perhaps we’ll see more US airlines exploring the allure of Fiji’s breathtaking islands.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
