ON 1 September 1951, a seven-seat de Havilland Dragon Rapide lifted off from Nausori bound for Drasa, near Lautoka, carrying a handful of passengers and the very first flight of what would become Fiji Airways. Seventy-five years later, that same name flies hundreds of passengers at a time across the Pacific aboard the Airbus A350, connecting Fiji to more than 900 destinations worldwide. Today, Fiji’s national airline marks a milestone that belongs not only to the airline, but to the nation it has proudly carried into the sky for three quarters of a century.
A name that came home
Fiji Airways' story has always been Fiji's story. Founded by aviation pioneer Harold Gatty, the airline took to the skies commercially for the first time on 1 September 1951. In 1970, in the same year Fiji stepped into independence, the airline was renamed Air Pacific to reflect its growing regional footprint; a name it carried for more than four decades.
In 2013, in one of the most meaningful moments in its history, the airline reclaimed its original name and became Fiji Airways once again, introducing a new livery inspired by traditional Fijian masi design, created by Fijian artist Makereta Matemosi. It was more than a rebrand. It was a homecoming.
That same spirit of national pride lives on today. Since 2017, Fiji Airways has proudly carried its name onto the world stage as title sponsor of the Fiji Rugby Union’s Fijian 7s and Fijiana 7s; two of the most beloved teams in the country's sporting history, just as it has carried generations of Fijians travelling for work, for study, and for home.
Seven Seats to 900+ destinations
From that first seven-seat aircraft, Fiji Airways Group has grown into a modern international carrier operating a fleet of 23 aircraft, connecting Fiji to 37 destinations across 14 countries directly, and to more than 900 destinations worldwide through full membership of the oneworld alliance. As Fiji's national airline, Fiji Airways carries approximately 70 percent of all visitors who fly to Fiji and provides employment for more than 2,000 people across the Group.
Over seven and a half decades, Fiji Airways has carried countless journeys and memories: first flights to long-awaited homecomings, family holidays, and farewells.
For many Fijians, seeing the Fiji Airways name in the sky is seeing a little piece of home travelling with them. Wherever our aircraft fly, they carry more than passengers, they carry the name of Fiji, the warmth of our people, and the spirit of a nation that has always punched above its weight in the sky. That spirit is at the heart of Fiji Airways, the World's Happiest Airline, and the genuine Fijian hospitality that has become part of the experience of travelling with us.
Managing Director & CEO Paul Scurrah said the anniversary was an important moment for Fiji Airways and everyone who has helped shape its story.
" From a seven-seat aircraft flying between two small airstrips to a global oneworld carrier flying to 900-plus destinations, we're still doing what we set out to do in 1951, connecting Fiji to the people and places that matter most. That's only possible because of the thousands of Fijians who have worn this uniform and the millions of customers who've trusted us with their journeys."Today we celebrate them, our people, our customers, our partners, and everyone who has helped make Fiji Airways what it is today. We are proud of how far we have come and excited about where we are going next."
For 75 years, Fiji Airways has been connecting Fiji to the world — and now it’s time to celebrate.
From 1 to 8 September, customers can join the celebrations with an eight-day anniversary sale, featuring special fares across Fiji Airways’ network in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Asia, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.
The celebration begins with three days of our sharpest fares, followed by five days of special anniversary fares. So, whether it’s a long-awaited holiday, a visit home, or a journey somewhere new, there’s never been a better time to travel with The World’s Happiest Airline.
Fares are available for travel from 1 September 2026 to 15 August 2027, with travel periods varying by market. Available on selected flights and dates, with limited seats at promotional fares.
Customers are encouraged to book early to secure these special anniversary fares through fijiairways.com, our nearest Fiji Airways Sales Offices, our 24/7 Reservations Call Centre or at participating Travel Agents. Peak-season travel restrictions and conditions apply. Visit our website for full details.
As Fiji Airways celebrates 75 years, the airline invites all Fijians, and everyone around the world who has travelled with Fiji Airways, to celebrate this special milestone together.
Because this is more than the anniversary of an airline. It is a celebration of 75 years of our journeys, our people, our home and our connection to the world.
Source: Fiji Airways