Bring out the coconuts and the tiny pink umbrellas because your next Gold Coast holiday just got a tropical upgrade.
Fiji Airways has launched its first-ever direct flight from the Gold Coast to Nadi, Fiji, making it easier for Aussie travellers to hop from one sunny paradise to the next (because who doesn’t love a cheeky double holiday).
The inaugural service, which took off for the first time last month, operates from the Gold Coast to Nadi three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, opening the door for travellers wanting to explore Fiji’s over 100 habitable islands.
With the flight only three-and-a-half-hours long, it’s roughly half the time to Bali, making it an even closer option for that next family vacay, couple’s retreat or long-overdue girls’ trip.
I was fortunate enough to be one of the first passengers to travel on the inaugural flight in June, which also happened to be my first time travelling with the airline.
From the moment I checked in at Gold Coast Airport, the genuine and friendly Fiji Airways hospitality eased me straight into holiday mode before I even set foot on the plane.
Despite a brief weather delay, the warm service kept the vibes high once on-board the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and had me pondering if this was the friendliest airline I’ve travelled with.
After lunch service – a choice between a vegetarian tofu and chicken curry with plenty of drink options – we were treated to an on-board musical performance to celebrate the inaugural service.
The flight itself went by in the blink of an eye.
At just under four hours, it’s the perfect amount of time to squeeze in a movie or two, or sit back and relax, and daydream about the laid-back island life awaiting you.
Speaking of island life, it was a nice comfort to learn on board that the airline is big on sustainability.
Guided by the Fijian concept of ‘maroroya’, meaning “to protect” or “to look after something”, Fiji Airways has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has invested in aircraft that use 25 per cent less fuel than previous-generation aircraft.
The airline also funds the planting of a mangrove seedling for every international flight – so far totalling 89,000 mangroves.
Paul Scurrah, Fiji Airways managing director and CEO, said the launch of the new Gold Coast service – its seventh Australian destination – marked a landmark moment for the airline and the major Queensland city.
“The Gold Coast shares Fiji’s warmth, energy and spirit of adventure. Since announcing this route, demand has been exceptional with strong forward bookings,” Mr Scurrah said.
“We are delighted to bring our world-class hospitality to every Gold Coaster who steps on board, and as we pursue our vision to become the world’s happiest airline, this new connection is another proud step in that journey.”
For those who want to keep the holiday rolling, the new route also unlocks one-stop connections to a host of international destinations like Los Angeles and San Francisco in the US, and Vancouver in Canada.
Andrew Powell, Minister for Environment and Tourism of Queensland, said the new service was delivering on the government’s commitment to drive more international flights into the state.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and direct flights from Nadi to the Gold Coast will make it easier for more visitors to experience this world-class destination. This route also adds another valuable international connection, with easy links through Fiji to the United States and Canada, helping bring even more visitors to Queensland. More connections mean more people and more opportunity for our tourism industry,” he said.
New find in airline’s lounge
In more exciting news, business class passengers will be able to experience the airline’s first-of-its kind wellness program at Nadi International Airport and on select flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles from June.
The program, which features wearable technology, mental performance drinks, red light therapy, and EMF protection solutions, has been designed to accelerate recovery during long-haul flights because honestly, there’s nothing worse than getting off a flight feeling like you need a holiday from … the flight.
The red light therapy, by premium brand Vital Red Light, is available within Nadi’s Premier Lounge and offers a range of light settings including for skin, muscles and sleep (a big plus before red-eye flights).
I was able to try it out the red light therapy for myself last month, and there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting back and indulging in a bit of wellness before a long-haul flight to Los Angeles.
Once on-board, passengers can try out Firefly Recovery, a clinically validated wearable device worn on yourlower legs to help promote circulation and reduce fatigue, as well as the Ra Optics Sunset Lenses to help regulate light exposure on the plane and encourage rest.
Magic Mind mental performance drinks, including the ‘Original’ and ‘Sleep’ shot, are also available on board to help support calm focus and deeper sleep during the flight.
Yep, they’ve really thought of everything.
Paul Scurrah, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways, said the new wellness program
reflects the airline’s “ongoing commitment to innovation and care, and marks an important step towards our mission of being the World’s Happiest Airline”.
“We set out to create something that genuinely makes a difference to the wellbeing of our guests and crew, going beyond traditional airline offerings with a thoughtfully curated suite of in-flight products and lounge experiences not typically seen in aviation.
“This program is designed to help everyone arrive at their destination feeling rested, energised, and at their best.”
This writer travelled on Fiji Airways as a guest of the airline.