Air Pacific Group which is operating as Fiji Airways has reported an after tax profit of $14.5 million for the nine month period ended 31st December 2013 compared to $17.8 million from the preceding 12 month period.

The nine month performance was driven by an increase in passenger numbers by 2.5 percent with an additional revenue of 1 percent. 

Chairman Nalin Patel said 2013 was a major transition year for Fiji Airways. 

He said they rebranded to Fiji Airways and changed over from B747 aircrafts to A330 wide-body aircrafts.

Patel said this transition alone accounted for more than $14 million one-time transition expenses in the financial year of 2013.

He also revealed that their finance costs increased by $33.6 million as new aircrafts were added to the Fiji Airways fleet.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Stefan Pichler said the recently approved five year master plan sets the foundation for sustainable and profitable growth between now and the end of 2017.

Pichler said they will make sure that their staff, stakeholders and customers will all benefit from the success of Fiji Airways. 

He also personally thanked every single one of their 1,009 team members as Fiji Airways looks forward to exciting times.

Wonderful news, can the Fiji Pensioners please have their pension money back now Frank ?