Fiji Airways has announced that its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andre Viljoen, will step down from his role in October 2025. Mr Viljoen has accepted the position of CEO at Air Mauritius and will be returning home after a decade of service with the airline.
In a statement issued today, Fiji Airways Chairman Mr Nalin Patel paid tribute to Mr Viljoen’s leadership and the transformation he has overseen since joining the airline in 2015.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire Fiji Airways Group, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Andre for his outstanding leadership over the past 10 years,” Mr Patel said.
“Under his stewardship, Fiji Airways has undergone a remarkable transformation.”
During Mr Viljoen’s tenure, the airline’s SKYTRAX rating improved to 4 Stars, with its global ranking rising from 102nd in 2015 to 14th in 2024. Fiji Airways was named ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for two consecutive years and received the APEX 5 Star Major Airline rating for three years in a row.
The airline’s fleet has doubled in size, from 12 aircraft in 2015 to 24 today, including four new-generation Airbus A350s. Annual revenue grew from FJ$815.3 million in 2015 to FJ$1.9 billion in 2024.
Mr Viljoen also spearheaded the development of the airline’s Aviation Academy, which now hosts four full-flight simulators. The facility has enhanced pilot training, supported more Fijians to become captains, and attracted major third-party clients including Air Tahiti, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Viljoen’s ‘Future-Fit Ready Strategy’ ensured the airline’s survival and set the stage for a swift recovery. Fiji Airways operated 523 repatriation flights and transported 17,825 tonnes of freight while many other carriers ceased operations. The airline was the first to resume services when borders reopened in Australia and New Zealand, which positioned it for record growth in 2023.
Mr Viljoen will remain on the airline’s Board of Directors after his transition to ensure continuity. Mr Patel confirmed there is no conflict of interest, as Fiji Airways and Air Mauritius serve different markets. He added that shared aircraft types, such as the Airbus A350 and ATR, could present opportunities for collaboration.
An extensive search will now begin to find Mr Viljoen’s successor. The MD CEO role will be advertised internally, nationally, and internationally, with all qualified candidates to be considered.
“We once again thank Andre for his extraordinary service and wish him continued success in his new role,” Mr Patel said.
