British Airways and Fiji Airways have signed a new partnership deal which the companies say will open up more routes between London and the South Pacific than ever before.

With its idyllic beaches, world-famous dive sites and lush green forests, Fiji and its extremely popular island destinations are more accessible than ever before as customers in the UK will be able to travel from gateways in the U.S. and Asia to destinations that have previously been more difficult to access from the UK.

From now, British Airways will start selling flights between Singapore, Los Angeles and San Francisco and the Fijian gateway of Nadi direct on ba.com.

For the customer the partnership means an easy one-stop-shop booking experience and allows them to earn Avios loyalty points on both airlines. Customers can earn Avios points on the Fiji Airways sectors as well as British Airways services, and as always, can choose to cut the cost of flights by using Avios in part payment.

British Airways’ Head of Alliances, Rishi Kapoor, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Fiji Airways and welcoming them into the oneworld family. We are incredibly pleased that customers can now book to fly to this stunning part of the world direct on ba.com.

“We believe the start of this code-share will make Fiji even more popular with European travellers by offering them a more attractive route network and a comfortable and seamless travel experience.

“Fijians are known around the globe for giving visitors the warmest of welcomes, so we look forward to giving them an equally warm welcome onboard our flights very soon.”

This new partnership comes just days after Fiji Airways signed up to become the first oneworld connect partner – a new platform for airlines to link up to the global airline alliance which includes British Airways as a founding member.

British Airways is one of Fiji Airways’ oneworld connect sponsors – enabling customers to enjoy more services and benefits when flying on either airline.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways, Andre Viljoen, said: “We are extremely proud to embark on a codeshare with British Airways to give travellers from the UK convenient access to our home – Fiji, one of the world’s most sought after tourism destinations.

“This is particularly significant for us as British Airways is our third oneworld sponsor, just days out from our accession into the alliance as a oneworld connect airline.

“Given the close historical ties between Fiji and Britain, and with thousands of Fijians serving in the British Army, our partnership will make it easier for families and friends to visit each other,” Viljoen said.

Fiji Airways operates international and domestic services to 12 countries and 31 cities, including Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, the US, Hong Kong and Singapore.

British Airways is rolling out a £4.5 billion, five-year customer investment plan, with a focus on excellence in the premium cabins and more choice and quality for all its customers.