Friday, July 19, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Fiji Airways is planning to introduce flights to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), offering Australian travelers a new route to the southern United States and beyond. The airline recently sought approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to commence a nonstop service between Nadi (NAN) and the Texas hub, utilizing its new 334-seat A350 aircraft for the journey.
As the national carrier of Fiji, Fiji Airways holds an International Scheduled Air Services Permit from Fiji’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, allowing it to operate flights to any destination in the US.
Adding the DFW route would expand Fiji Airways’ US destinations to four, joining its existing services from Nadi to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu. The airline also operates flights to Vancouver, Canada.
Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen mentioned in a recent interview that the airline is also considering launching flights to Seattle.
With a significant portion of Fiji Airways’ business coming from Australia and New Zealand, many Australian travelers would likely utilize the new DFW service, whether or not it includes a stopover in Fiji.
Fiji Airways declined to comment further on the DFW application.
Viljoen also hinted at the possibility of introducing flights to two new destinations on Australia’s east coast, providing more direct access to Fiji’s beautiful beaches for Australian travelers.
Recently, Fiji Airways has been quite active. In June, the airline announced plans to join American Airlines’ AAdvantage travel loyalty program within the next year.
Following a record-breaking 2023, Fiji Airways also announced it would become the 15th full-member airline of the oneworld alliance, transitioning from its previous status as a oneworld connect partner.
In another accolade, Fiji Airways ranked among the top 15 airlines globally, surpassing major carriers such as Etihad, Lufthansa, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines in the World Airline Awards, the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey. Additionally, it was recognized as the top carrier in the Australia and Pacific region.
In May, the airline introduced its Chef’s Table innovation, a new fine-dining experience for travelers at the FJ’s Premier Lounge at Nadi Airport.