Paul Scurrah, the managing director and chief executive officer of Fiji Airways Ltd, has been bestowed with the distinguished title of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours. This prestigious recognition celebrates his significant contributions to the transport, logistics, and freight sectors in Australia, noting a remarkable career that spans over two decades.
Fiji Airways issued a statement highlighting Scurrah’s leadership qualities, which have guided large organizations through transformative periods. Under his stewardship, there has been a strong focus on safety, operational resilience, workforce engagement, and customer service. His initiatives have notably bolstered supply chain capabilities, modernized logistics operations, and improved safety performance, while simultaneously providing critical support for essential services that ensure economic stability and community welfare.
The Order of Australia is the country’s highest recognition system, honoring individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement, leadership, and dedicated service. Being appointed as a Member signifies the profound impact that Scurrah’s work has had on his profession and the community at large.
Nalin Patel, chairman of Fiji Airways, applauded Scurrah’s professional contributions to Australia and acknowledged his exceptional leadership at Fiji’s national airline. Patel emphasized that this honor reflects Scurrah’s essential role in enhancing national and regional connectivity, as Fiji Airways continues to strive for service excellence and safety, aiming to establish itself as the World’s Happiest Airline while delivering reliable connectivity for Fiji and its international network.
Expressing his gratitude, Scurrah stated that he is honored by the recognition and appreciates the opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals in Australia’s transport and logistics sectors. He underlined the significance of teamwork in achieving impactful results and conveyed pride in his role at Fiji Airways, facilitating connections between Fiji and the global community.
This year’s Australia Day Honours recognized a total of 680 individuals for their community service, including 10 Companions, 38 Officers, and 160 Members of the Order, along with 472 recipients of Medals. Scurrah’s appointment stands out as a testament to the vital importance of transport and logistics in fostering connections among people and communities.