Fiji to adopt an open-skies policy

The government of Fiji has approved a recommendation to adopt an open skies policy. Approval was granted during an April 9 cabinet meeting in Suva and resulted from a review of the country's National Aviation Policy, it said in a statement. Approvals will be granted on a case-by-case basis and will consider economic, strategic, and operational factors. Minutes of the meeting viewed by ch-aviation reveal that Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen gave a presentation during the meeting. ch-aviation has contacted Fiji Airways for comment. The cabinet meeting also agreed that negotiations could start with the United States for an open skies framework that would allow Fiji Airways to operate direct services between Fiji and new US destinations as well as via the US to a third country. ch-aviation schedules data shows that the airline currently offers scheduled flights between Nadi and Honolulu, Los Angeles International, and San Francisco. It is the only scheduled passenger operator on the country pair.<br/>