Fiji Airways Poised for New Leadership as CEO Andre Viljoen Returns to Air Mauritius

Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji, is set to embark on a new chapter as its CEO and Managing Director, Andre Viljoen, is stepping down from his role in October. Concluding almost a decade of leadership helming Fiji Airways, Viljoen is returning to his earlier role as CEO of Air Mauritius. His tenure at Fiji Airways has been marked by significant growth, and the Board of Directors has announced an extensive search to identify the most suitable candidate to build upon Viljoen’s legacy.

A Decade of Remarkable Transformation and Growth

Viljoen’s leadership has been instrumental in Fiji Airways’ remarkable transformation over the past 10 years. Under his stewardship, the airline’s SKYTRAX rating notably improved to 4 Stars, with its global ranking soaring from 102nd in 2015 to an impressive 14th in 2024. This period also saw Fiji Airways awarded ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for two consecutive years, alongside earning the prestigious APEX 5 Star Major Airline rating for three years running, solidifying its position as a regional leader.

Beyond industry accolades, the airline’s operational capacity experienced substantial expansion. Its fleet doubled in size, growing from 12 aircraft in 2015 to a robust 24 today. This modernisation included the strategic acquisition of four new-generation Airbus A350s, the most modern and fuel-efficient commercial aircraft presently. Concurrently, the airline’s annual revenue has more than doubled, escalating from FJ$815.3 million in 2015 to an impressive FJ$1.9 billion in 2024. Among his many accomplishments, Viljoen also spearheaded the development of a world-class Aviation Academy, which now proudly hosts four state-of-the-art full-flight simulators. This pivotal initiative not only enhanced cost efficiency but also significantly elevated the standard of pilot training, supporting more Fijians in becoming captains and attracting major third-party clients such as Air Tahiti, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.

Navigating Unprecedented Challenges with Visionary Strategy

Viljoen’s leadership was particularly distinguished during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While other airlines ceased operations, Fiji Airways maintained vital connectivity, operating 523 repatriation flights and transporting an impressive 17,825 tons of freight. His visionary ‘Future-Fit Ready Strategy’ proved critical in ensuring the airline’s survival and facilitated a remarkably rapid recovery once international borders reopened. The airline was notably among the first to resume services when borders reopened in key markets like Australia and New Zealand.

Viljoen returns to Air Mauritius this October, taking over from the airline’s current Chairman Kremchand Beegoo.

The Search for the Next Visionary Leader

As Viljoen transitions to his new role, Fiji Airways is embarking on a comprehensive and extensive search to identify a new MD and CEO. This critical position will be advertised internally within the airline, nationally across Fiji, and internationally, ensuring a broad and diverse pool of candidates. The Board is committed to a rigorous selection process, and all candidates who meet the clearly defined criteria outlined in the upcoming advertisement and job description will be given full consideration. The objective is to secure a leader who can effectively steer Fiji Airways through its next phase of growth, building upon the strong foundations established over the past decade. Fiji Airways remains firmly positioned for continued success, with a modernised fleet, a robust global network, and a commitment to excellence.

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