While an official announcement hasn’t been made, Fiji Airways has filed a request to fly between Nadi (NAN) and Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). If approved, which I have no reason to believe it wouldn’t be, it would become the airline’s longest route at 6,625 miles.
The route shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as DFW is the home airport and largest hub for fellow OneWorld alliance member American Airlines. Fiji Airways was recently announced as a full member of OneWorld and adopted American AAdvantage as its loyalty program. This new route appears to be the next step in their growing partnership.
While schedules haven’t been announced as the route still needs to be approved by the DOT, the flights are expected to operate 3x weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The flight will operate using Airbus A350-900 aircraft featuring 33 Business Class and 301 Economy seats.
Thanks to its partnership with American, passengers traveling to/from Fiji will be able to get almost anywhere in North America with a single connection in DFW. With the route not being officially announced by either carrier, it’s still up in the air on just how much connectivity will exist though one would assume that it is a major driver for the route.
If approved, Fiji Airways will be the second airline from Oceania flying to Dallas-Ft. Worth. Fellow OneWorld member Qantas operates between DFW and the Australian cities of Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL).
Being Austin based, I’m excited about the new route as it will make for an easy hop to the South Pacific!
Summary
Fiji Airways is planning to launch flights between Nadi and Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport, pending approval from regulators. The airline has announced its plans to join OneWorld as a full member and adopted American AAdvantage as its loyalty program.
This flight seems like the next step in their increased partnership and will provide a ton of one-stop options for travelers looking to visit the island nation. I’ll have to try and find a way on one of these flights after they launch!
Bold move Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for em.
I really don’t think it’s that bold. If the flights are timed right there are tons of connections at DFW which could easily fill this plane. Especially with them having a single frequent flyer program and being in the same alliance.
Also, the goal of Fiji Airways is to promote tourism to the country, not necessarily make money since it’s owned by the government.