IMPACT OF COUP ON AIR PACIFIC'S FLIGHTS

IMPACT OF COUP ON AIR PACIFIC'S FLIGHTS

 

 

Numerous media queries are being received on the impact of the military coup in Fiji on Air Pacific's flights.  The volume of queries exceeds our ability to respond individually therefore this release provides current information.

 

Air Pacific's flights continue to operate normally with no operational impact as a result of the military coup.

 

We monitor operational conditions carefully and do note that all necessary air navigation, airport handling and other facilities remain normal.  We have no concerns over the aviation safety of our customers, our crew or our aircraft.  Provided current security and operational conditions prevail we have no hesitation in maintaining our full range of services. 

 

Customers substantially continue to travel as booked although a higher than normal cancellation rate has been noted.  The number of travellers departing Fiji has grown, from tourists revising their departure date and from residents electing to leave the country.  Inbound flights to Fiji continue to carry tourists, business travellers and returning Fiji residents and although a higher than normal rate of no show has been detected current loads on aircraft are in close proximity to pre-coup booking levels.

 

New bookings for the period from January to March 2007 have slowed to a trickle and an increase in the number of changes to planned arrival dates and cancellations are being experienced.  It is too soon to place a specific percentage on overall reduction in demand but the rate of new bookings has declined by over 40% versus normal levels.

Bookings beyond April 2007 reflect a reduced intake level but not to dramatic levels.

 

Visitors to Fiji remain unaffected by the coup and tourists in resorts on the Coral Coast, outlying islands and the Northern islands of the Fiji Group continue to enjoy their holidays as normal.  Suva is experiencing a significantly reduced number of visitors.

 

Air Pacific reviews forward bookings on a daily basis and makes adjustments to flights as necessary.  Typically, where appropriate, a larger aircraft [e.g. a B767] is replaced by a smaller aircraft [e.g. a B737] with the schedule maintained.  On routes where several daily flights operate we will consolidate from three to two or from two to one services where demand dictates and customers' itineraries are not seriously disrupted.  The most affected routes are from Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

 

A clearer picture of forward bookings will emerge over the forthcoming week.  If there is significant weakening in demand, we will meet that weakening by a reduced rate of production and expect to see further downsizing, consolidation and some cancellation of flights. 

 

A further update will be provided in the week commencing 11 December.