When Paul Scurrah resigned as CEO of Virgin Australia in 2020 amidst the turmoil triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, few expected a return to the aviation sector. However, five years later, he is poised to take the reins at Fiji Airways, a rapidly growing airline in the Pacific region.
Scurrah’s appointment comes after a successful tenure by outgoing CEO Andre Viljoen, during which Fiji Airways saw significant growth, fleet expansion, and the establishment of new routes. The airline also became a member of the Oneworld Alliance and received the prestigious title of Best Airline in Australia/Pacific for 2024. Scurrah is eager to sustain the positive growth trajectory. “There’s incredible momentum here,” he remarked soon after his appointment. “My first goal is to make sure I continue that momentum.”
The airline’s strategic position in Fiji, combined with its robust tourism potential, provides a unique opportunity to leverage anticipated growth in the Asia Pacific region. Scurrah reiterated that continuing this momentum while exploring new opportunities will be crucial, particularly with Australia serving as the airline’s largest market. He noted the rising interest in Fiji as both a leisure and business destination, essential for the airline’s expansion strategy.
Hints at potential new long-haul destinations were dropped by Scurrah, who emphasized that Fiji Airways’ Oneworld membership will enhance connectivity through its airline partners. Collaborating closely with Tourism Fiji and other industry stakeholders is vital to capitalize on the growing interest in Fiji as a travel destination.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Scurrah highlighted that effective communication and fiscal discipline would shape his leadership approach. “You learn how important listening to your people and customers is,” he stated, stressing the importance for airlines to lead on cost while maintaining resilience in the face of challenges.
Looking toward the future, as global air travel is projected to grow by 5% annually through 2043, one of Scurrah’s major challenges will be acquiring sufficient aircraft to accommodate that growth. However, with the strong foundation laid during Viljoen’s impactful leadership, Fiji Airways seems well-positioned for ongoing success under Scurrah’s guidance.
The outlook for Fiji Airways is promising, characterized by hopeful opportunities for expansion and innovation as it adapts to a changing aviation landscape while remaining committed to delivering excellence in service and operational efficiency.