Fiji Airways continues to be recognised as one of the world’s best airlines and once you’ve experienced Business Class on a long-haul flight, you quickly know exactly why. James Wilkinson looks at what’s on offer during an Airbus A350-900 trip recently.

Since Air Pacific became Fiji Airways, the always enjoyable Nadi-based leisure airline has had a solid offering in Business Class led by wonderful Fijian hospitality, fresh produce and comfortable, spacious seats.

That’s something that was firmly elevated in 2020 when the carrier introduced the Airbus A350-900 to the fleet, thanks to not just an upgrade in the seat product, but a significant jump-up in the quality of meals on offer.

When Fiji Airways introduced the A350, the carrier, now part of the oneworld alliance, firmly became one of the world’s best boutique airlines and it shouldn’t come as any surprise they have won a swag of awards in the process.

“We are immensely proud of our recent accolades and the international recognition our National Airline has received,” Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, Andre Viljoen, told Wayfarer.

“It’s a testament to the dedication, grit and tenacity of our team to continue to innovate and provide the highest standard of offerings to our guests.

“We have made great strides as an airline over the recent years and it shows our strength and ability to bounce back following the pandemic.

“I believe it’s because we bring our genuine FIjian Hospitality to every customer perception point,” he said.

The arrival of the A350 saw Fiji Airways introduce a new suite style seat to the carrier’s Business Class offering, in the form of the popular Collins Aerospace ‘Super Diamond’, set out in a 1-2-1 configuration offering all-aisle access for every passenger.

The leather seats come alongside spacious tables, several storage spaces, 17-inch personal entertainment screens, a USB port, in-seat power and a seat pitch of 62 inches.

Fiji Airways’ large Business Class screens are great for catching some excellent inflight entertainment, which now includes programming from Disney Plus and HBO, alongside our own Wayfarer travel TV show that offers guides to several global destinations including Adelaide, Los Angeles, Singapore and more.

A nice wine and meal are ideal accompaniments to the entertainment experience and this is where the carrier has continued to excel since the Airbus A350s arrived in the fleet.

The Nadi-based dining team has created onboard menus that are inspired by the vibrant culture and abundant natural bounty of the Fijian Islands using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create an onboard experience that’s both nourishing and enjoyable.

They are proud to showcase the diverse influences of the Fiji Islands and the South Pacific through the meals onboard, which continue to get better as the carrier expands in size and route coverage.

In Business Class you can expect dishes like the signature Ika Vakalolo with grilled walu and prawns with mashed sweet potatoes, sauteed spinach, lolo (coonut cream), green oil and roasted cherry tomatoes.

Also expect a western dish onboard, such as Chicken Provencale, alongside a vegetarian option like vegetable linguine, alongside several delicious sweet treats on offer, headlined by Fiji Airways’ new signature dessert, Fijian Purini, a steamed coconut caramel pudding with vanilla anglaise, salted caramel mousse, roasted pineapple and a coconut twist.

The Business Class drinks experience features two red and two white wines showcasing top Australian, New Zealand and USA drops, plus a Champagne, with G.H Mumm currently served onboard.

Top spirits, liqueurs, Cognac and Port is also available, alongside tea, coffee and non-alcoholic offerings.

Impressively, as most Fiji Airways guests are going on holiday, they offer a Mimosa service with breakfast on overnight flights and ordering is courtesy of a hotel-style room service order card.

When it’s time for sleep, Fiji Airways offers duvets on long-haul and night flights, alongside premium mattress toppers that elevate the experience for a relaxed snooze at 38,000 feet across the Pacific.

For those that need to stay connected, the carrier offers inflight WiFi that’s free for Business Class guests and while you can’t stream live NBA basketball (I wish you could as Fiji Airways sponsor the Los Angeles Clippers), it is perfect for staying connected to family, friends and getting the important work emails knocked out.

STYLISH AMENITY KITS

Fiji Airways recently unveiled its new amenity kits, developed in partnership with Samsonite, a global leader in premium travel gear, and Formia, an award-winning aviation amenities design company.

Available on all long-haul flights for Business Class passengers, these refreshed kits mark the airline’s first redesign of the kits since 2012.

Featuring two distinct bag designs and two colourways showcasing iconic Fijian motifs, each kit boasts high-quality details such as vegan leather accents and water-repellant twill fabric. One design also includes a strap that easily slides over luggage handles for added convenience.

Inside, passengers will find a thoughtfully curated selection of travel essentials, including earplugs, breathable socks, a larger eyemask for enhanced light-blocking and better sleep onboard, a bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste in kraft packaging, a kraft and wheat straw pen, and a 10ml body lotion from the Italian vegan skincare brand, Teaology, infused with tea extracts.

Designed for longevity and functionality, the reusable kits are also made with significantly less plastic than previous versions, integrating circular principles, with a focus on ensuring high take-home appeal.

Fiji Airways CEO and Managing Director, Andre Viljoen, said this new offering reflects Fiji Airways’ ongoing commitment to elevating the travel experience, providing passengers with added comfort and style on every journey while helping to minimise impact to the environment.

LOUNGING AROUND IN NADI

At the carrier’s home base of Nadi International Airport, you’ll find the flagship Fiji Airways Premier Lounge, which has consistently impressed since it debuted several years ago.

The experience begins with a smile from the staff at the desk, then a live greenery wall which forms the backdrop of the main seating area. On the ceiling above, find constellation lighting which represents the Fijian summer and winter skies.

The lounge features over 200-seats, including a ‘Quiet’ zone, private dining room, booths, group areas, individual seating and a restaurant and dining room. There’s also a media room that features a TV with sports and news, plus magazines, alongside a business centre with printing facilities.

Impressively, for those travelling with little ones, there is a ‘Lailai Land’ kids play centre with a qualified nanny and children’s meals are available upon request.

On the food front, there is a locally-inspired a la carte menu in the private dining room, alongside buffet stations, barista coffee and a full bar with leading Australasian wines on offer.

For those wanting to freshen up between flights, there are showers that feature premium Pure Fiji amenities.

The Fiji Airways Premier Lounge is truly rounded-out by the fantastic Fijian hospitality on offer and overall, it makes for one of the best airport experiences in the South Pacific.