MP slams Fiji Airways meals

Fiji Airways' economy-class catering has become a point of contention in the Fijian Parliament, with opposition members sharply criticizing the quality of meals served to passengers. Opposition MP Premila Kumar argued that passengers paying premium fares deserve better service, stating that the current standard of meals does not align with the airline's reputation as an award-winning international carrier.

Kumar also voiced concerns regarding the high cost of Fiji Airways fares, particularly for domestic travel or last-minute bookings by ordinary Fijians. She highlighted that a return ticket from Nadi to Sydney can exceed $2,000, while an economy fare from Nadi to Vancouver can cost over $6,000. This has led to questions about whether local passengers are effectively subsidizing lower fares offered to international tourists, making urgent travel for events like funerals particularly difficult for families.

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Passengers paying premium fares should expect better service, including the quality of food provided on board.

Further disruptions, including a significant delay on the Nadi-Auckland route, have added to the criticism. Passengers faced challenges with accommodation and communication during this disruption, prompting Kumar to emphasize that reliability, communication, customer service, and fair treatment are essential responsibilities of Fiji Airways towards the public.

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Fiji Airways chose to protect flight capacity rather than reduce services, which could have had a greater impact on tourism.

Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka defended the airline's decision to reduce catering expenses, explaining that Fiji Airways prioritized maintaining flight capacity over service cuts that could have negatively impacted tourism. He noted that Fiji is experiencing a strong tourism year, with visitor arrivals surpassing one million on a rolling June-to-June basis. Gavoka stressed the importance of maintaining capacity, especially after Air New Zealand ceased its services to Fiji.

Government MP Professor Biman Prasad acknowledged the catering concerns, suggesting Fiji Airways might need to reassess some cost-cutting measures to protect its reputation and passenger service. Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya echoed these sentiments, warning against cuts that could undermine the airline's premium status. Koya also questioned the planned suspension of the Dallas route and called for greater scrutiny of route decisions, revenue management, and expenditures. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel stated that Fiji Airways has a five-year profit plan targeting sustainable profitability by 2027, with cost discipline and route rationalization under review. Parliament unanimously approved a $200 million government guarantee to support Fiji Airways through the aviation fuel crisis and ensure continued operations.

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Fiji Airways may need to reconsider some of its cost-cutting measures so they do not damage the airline’s reputation or passenger service.