Fiji Airways has announced that Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Andre Viljoen, will step down from his role in October 2025.
A comprehensive global search will be launched to identify the most suitable candidate for the position. The role will be advertised internally, nationally, and internationally. All applicants who meet the clearly defined criteria outlined in the forthcoming job description will be considered.
Fiji Airways Chairperson, Nalin Patel, confirmed that Viljoen has accepted the role of CEO at Air Mauritius and will return home after a decade of exemplary service and leadership in Fiji.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire Fiji Airways Group, we extend our deepest gratitude to Andre for his outstanding leadership over the past 10 years,” said Patel.
Under Viljoen’s stewardship, Fiji Airways has undergone a remarkable transformation. The airline’s SKYTRAX rating rose to 4 Stars, with its global ranking leaping from 102nd in 2015 to 14th in 2024. It was named ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for two consecutive years and earned the APEX 5 Star Major Airline rating three years in a row.
The airline’s fleet has doubled in size, expanding from 12 aircraft in 2015 to 24 today, including four new-generation Airbus A350s—among the most advanced and fuel-efficient commercial aircraft globally. Annual revenue grew from FJ$815.3 million in 2015 to FJ$1.9 billion in 2024.
Among his notable achievements, Viljoen also spearheaded the development of the world-class Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, now home to four full-flight simulators. This initiative has improved cost efficiency, elevated pilot training standards, and attracted major international clients such as Air Tahiti, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Viljoen’s visionary ‘Future-Fit Ready Strategy’ ensured the airline’s resilience and positioned it for rapid recovery. Fiji Airways operated 523 repatriation flights and transported over 17,800 tonnes of freight while most airlines had suspended operations. It was also the first to resume flights to Australia and New Zealand once borders reopened—laying the foundation for record passenger numbers and financial results in 2023.
To support a smooth leadership transition, Viljoen will remain on the Board of Directors. Chairperson Patel clarified that there is no conflict of interest in this arrangement, as Fiji Airways and Air Mauritius operate in distinct markets.