Fiji Airways has announced the appointment of Paul Scurrah as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2025. Nalin Patel, Chairman of the Fiji Airways Group, expressed confidence in Mr. Scurrah’s leadership abilities, emphasizing that he is well-equipped to guide the airline through its next phase of growth.
“We are pleased to announce Mr. Scurrah as our incoming CEO. He brings over two decades of executive experience in aviation, transport, logistics, and tourism. His proven leadership and results-driven approach make him the right choice for this next chapter,” Patel remarked.
Mr. Scurrah’s career boasts significant achievements, most recently as CEO of Pacific National, Australia’s largest private rail freight company. There, he initiated a comprehensive transformation program with a strong focus on operational excellence, safety innovation, and sustainability. His previous role as CEO of Virgin Australia highlighted his strategic skills, where he implemented rapid restructuring during the COVID-19 pandemic to preserve key routes and protect jobs, positioning the airline for recovery post-crisis.
Patel further highlighted that under Mr. Scurrah’s guidance, Fiji Airways is expected to thrive while upholding its reputation as the airline of choice both regionally and internationally. His extensive experience also includes senior positions at Queensland Rail and DP World Australia, and he was a founding executive and investor at Rex Airlines, Australia’s largest independent regional carrier.
Mr. Scurrah will take over from Andre Viljoen, who has led Fiji Airways for an impressive decade. Under Viljoen’s leadership, the airline achieved significant milestones, expanding its fleet from 12 to 24 aircraft, dramatically improving its SKYTRAX rating from 102nd to 14th in the world, and increasing annual revenue from $815.3 million in 2015 to a projected $1.9 billion in 2024. Viljoen also played a pivotal role in establishing the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, which enhances training standards for future aviators.
This transition marks an exciting opportunity for Fiji Airways as it builds on the strong foundation laid by previous management. With Paul Scurrah stepping into the role of CEO, the airline is poised to embrace future innovations and foster collaborative efforts, ensuring sustained excellence in the aviation sector and contributing to the development of local talent in Fiji’s tourism industry. The airline’s commitment to growth and exceptional service presents a promising outlook as it adapts to the evolving landscape of air travel.