NADI, Fiji – Fiji Airways, Fiji’s national airline, has donated F$1m to the Prime Minister’s National Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund to assist those affected by Cyclone Winston. Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, Andre Viljoen, handed the check over today to Fijian Prime Minister, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama. The airline has also announced free carriage of relief supplies domestically and inbound from other countries coordinated through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

All Fiji Airways flights have now resumed their normal services from Los Angeles (LAX) and Honolulu (HNL) direct to Nadi (NAN), Fiji and beyond, with international connections to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands all operating as scheduled. Domestic Fiji Link connections within Fiji to popular destinations for U.S. travellers, including Taveuni and Savusavu, are also operating as scheduled.

The Attorney General and Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said the Government, through Tourism Fiji, is working with Fiji Airways and industry stakeholders on a comprehensive plan to maintain the health of the industry in the wake of Cyclone Winston. “We need to get the message out to our key markets that most Fijian resorts are open and functioning. The best way for travellers to support Fiji through this crisis is to keep visiting us. There is no need for intending holidaymakers to cancel or postpone their visits,” the AG said.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, Andre Viljoen stated: “We share the pain of our fellow Fijians at this time and will assist in any way we can to help rebuild our nation. The donation will assist the NDMO teams get much needed resources and personnel to areas of critical need. In addition, Fiji Link flights this week will carry as much water and dry goods as possible on all flights going to Labasa, Savusavu, Taveuni, Koro, Vanuabalavu, Cicia, Kadavu, and Lakeba. Fiji Airways, under the direction of the NDMO, will freight in relief supplies on our inbound flights. While we are heartened to see so many Fijians and our friends abroad offering assistance, we encourage everyone wanting to help to please work through the NDMO.”

The donation was warmly welcomed on behalf of the Government by the Attorney General and Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. “ All Fijians will appreciate this generous gesture by Fiji Airways, which reflects not only its commitment to the welfare of our nation but its sound financial management that has made the donation possible. The Government will be working closely with our national airline throughout this crisis, not only making sure that relief supplies get to those who most need it but assisting the tourism industry to get back on its feet.”