Review: Fiji Airways business class
We fly on the inaugural Canberra to Nadi flight and discover why you should consider this airline for your next trip.
Flight Number
FJ950
Route
Canberra-Nadi departs 2.10pm (35 minutes late), arrives 8.15pm
Aircraft
Boeing 737 Max 8
Seat number
2A
Flight time
Four hours, five minutes
All about the seat
The Boeing 737 Max 8 has eight business class seats configured in pairs, with fresh cream upholstery and brown and white graphic pillows and blankets. The foot space feels luxuriously roomy for a comparatively small aircraft, with a 51-inch (129cm) pitch (legroom) and an eight-inch (20cm) recline. A bottle of Fiji Water is tucked into a small shelf under the middle armrest and there are headphones on my seat as I arrive. It’s a shame I don’t get to experience the flat beds available on larger Fiji Airways aircraft but on the inaugural short skip from Canberra to Nadi, a nap isn’t necessary.
In the bag
Two pieces of checked luggage weighing a maximum of 30kg, plus one piece of cabin luggage measuring 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and a small purse or laptop bag.
Tech talk
The USB port and international power plug are a little tricky to locate in the cavity next to my seat but very welcome once they are discovered – no matter which cord or adaptor you have with you, you should be able to charge your device. There’s also a 13-inch (33cm) TV monitor in the seat in front of me and there are several paid
wi-fi packages.
On the menu
Orange juice and Cattier Icone Brut Champagne is offered upon boarding, then a three-course meal designed by executive chef Richard Cross. The blurb on the menu describes a signature dessert of nama (sea grape)-infused ice cream with toasted coconut but it’s not on offer today. Instead, there’s a smoked wahoo appetiser with grilled pineapple, and a choice of aged sirloin, honey garlic chicken or roasted Bombay potatoes for mains. Desserts are assorted tropical fruits or black forest cake. I choose the chicken, which comes with two crisp wafers of taro and doesn’t skimp on the ginger, an essential ingredient in Fijian cooking.
That’s entertainment
There’s a strong selection: 150 movies and 50 TV shows, plus PressReader, which offers access to 7000 international newspapers and magazines.
At your service
It sounds like a cliche but anyone who’s travelled to Fiji knows it’s one of the most welcoming countries on Earth. Fiji Airways goes out of its way to make sure this happens on board with crew members – the women each with a frangipani behind the ear – greeting each guest with a “Bula!” or “Vinaka!”. Unfortunately, the entertainment system malfunctions for both myself and my seatmate on this flight and despite two attempted reboots we are unable to get it working. Our delightful host Ravulo is so gracious and charming with her efforts it is difficult to be truly disappointed.
On the ground
In Canberra, Business Class travellers can access the well-appointed Qantas lounge thanks to a reciprocal agreement. In Nadi, the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge features a 200-seat quiet zone, a business centre and a children’s area (called Lailai Land).
Make your points
Tabua Club is Fiji Airways’ loyalty program but Oneworld Alliance members (which includes Qantas, American Airlines and Qatar) can also earn points.
In the know
Fiji Airways operates three non-stop return flights from Canberra to Nadi, twice daily flights from Sydney, daily flights from Melbourne and Brisbane, and twice weekly from Adelaide.
The Verdict
On a small aircraft and a short trip, the level of luxury isn’t quite as extravagant as on other airlines, but those famous Fijian smiles and the unwavering kindness more than make than compensate.
Alex Carlton was a guest of Fiji Airways.
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