Paradise Now is just a connection away: Fiji Airways joins oneworld alliance
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Tucked away in our chilly corner of the world, Canberrans are perpetually on the lookout for escapes to warmer climes – especially as winter approaches.
The good news? Your tropical getaway just got significantly more accessible with Fiji Airways officially joining the oneworld Alliance as a full member.
This isn’t just another airline partnership announcement – it’s a gateway to paradise that comes with serious perks. As of 1 April, Fiji’s national carrier has brought its warm Bula spirit to the alliance, connecting our fair city (albeit via Sydney) to a network of nearly 700 airport lounges globally and over 900 destinations.
Credit: Tourism Fiji.
While the direct flight from Canberra to white sandy beaches remains a dream, this membership makes the journey to Fiji – and beyond – decidedly more seamless for Canberrans with oneworld status. Think priority check-in, boarding privileges, and the sweet satisfaction of earning and redeeming miles as you island-hop.
But the real treasure here isn’t just reaching Fiji (though those crystal-clear waters are certainly motivation enough). It’s what lies beyond. With Fiji Airways’ hub at Nadi International Airport serving as your jumping-off point, suddenly Hong Kong’s dazzling skyline, Tokyo’s electric energy, and Singapore’s impeccable food scene are all within comfortable reach.
Fancy diving into Japan’s cherry blossom season while your colleagues back home are scraping frost off windscreens? Or perhaps exploring Hong Kong’s dim sum scene is more your style? Maybe you’d prefer island-hopping through Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and Tuvalu with Fiji Link (also joining as an affiliate airline). The possibilities suddenly feel endless – and all with the knowledge that your luggage (and loyalty points) will follow you seamlessly.
Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways’ Managing Director and CEO, aptly describes the milestone as “reflecting our commitment to providing world-class service and expanding our global reach, while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Fiji to the world.”
And that warmth is literal – with Fiji’s balmy temperatures hovering around 30°C even during our winter months, making it the perfect escape from Canberra’s notorious July chill.
The airline has also adopted American Airlines’ AAdvantage travel rewards programme, meaning frequent flyers can accumulate points across the entire oneworld network – perhaps for that business class upgrade you’ve been eyeing?
With its fleet of 23 state-of-the-art aircraft including the impressive A350-900s, multiple Skytrax 2024 awards for service excellence, and that renowned Fijian hospitality, this partnership proves that sometimes the best adventures begin before you even reach your destination.
But that’s not all – the airline is also making moves to enhance convenience for Canberra travelers. Mark your calendars for 16 August, when Fiji Airways will shift its days of operation from Tuesday, Friday and Sunday to Monday, Thursday and Saturday. This strategic schedule change isn’t just about shuffling days – it creates seamless connections to Dallas, American Airlines’ bustling hub, opening up a world of destinations including Washington, New York and various Latin and South American hotspots.
For Canberrans dreaming of warmer horizons as the leaves turn, this oneworld connection might just be your ticket to paradise.
Feature image: Tavoro Falls. Credit Elliot Grafton Tourism Fiji.
