The International Air services Commission has granted Jetstar and V Australia capacity on the Fiji route.
The move has been welcomed by Tourism Fiji chairman Mr Patrick Wong who says that the open sky policy by Government is aimed at long term benefits for Fiji’s Tourism Industry.
According to the Travel weekly website (http://www.travelweekly.com.au/articles/A1/0C064EA1.asp) Qantas Group was awarded 852 seats of capacity per week which must be used no later than April 2010 while V Australia has been awarded 907 seats capacity per week, but the carrier must launch services by December 31 this year.
Mr Wong said low cost carriers have greater flexibility when it comes to operational costs, pricing, planning with the encouragement of airline carriers venturing, flying out of non mainstream ports as well as opening up better connectivity and additional new regions for Fiji.
While Fiji’s National Carrier, ‘Air Pacific’, has to be recognized for its contribution towards Fiji’s Tourism Industry, inclusively toughening out the many periods of recovery in times of adverse climate and working in partnership with Tourism Fiji, Mr Wong says Branding Destination Fiji requires securing seat capacity which opens up emerging markets for better market operation.
In addition, securing additional airline seats is a key performance for increasing visitors arrivals in Our Tourism Development Plans, Mr Wong added.
The Commission said it expects Jetstar and V Australia to compete strongly on the leisure market.