Fiji Airways has announced the appointment of Paul Scurrah as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, beginning on November 1, 2025. This leadership transition follows a comprehensive global search and comes in the wake of Andre Viljoen’s decade-long tenure, who is moving on to a similar role at Air Mauritius.
Nalin Patel, Chairman of the Fiji Airways Group, expressed strong confidence in Scurrah’s skills, highlighting his broad executive experience that spans over 20 years in sectors like aviation, transport, logistics, and tourism. Patel believes Scurrah’s results-oriented approach will guide Fiji Airways into an exciting new chapter. Scurrah is recognized for his previous leadership as the CEO of Pacific National, Australia’s largest private rail freight enterprise, and for his tenure at Virgin Australia, particularly during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Viljoen’s leadership, Fiji Airways witnessed significant growth, expanding its fleet from 12 to 24 aircraft and increasing its revenue from $815.3 million in 2015 to an anticipated $1.9 billion this year. Key achievements during his time include earning a prestigious 4-star rating from SKYTRAX and being named ‘Best Airline in Australia/Pacific’ for two consecutive years. Viljoen’s strategic insights led the airline to successfully operate critical repatriation flights amid the pandemic while many rivals faced immense challenges.
Patel reassured stakeholders that Scurrah’s leadership will further cement Fiji Airways’ regional and international presence while enhancing customer service and embracing national pride. Although Viljoen will step down from the CEO position, he will remain on the Board of Directors to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing leadership support.
This leadership change is seen as a positive step forward for Fiji Airways, presenting an opportunity for continued innovation and the development of local talent, reaffirming its status as a significant player in the global aviation market. With Scurrah at the forefront, there is a hopeful outlook regarding the airline’s future growth and adaptability amidst ongoing industry transformations.