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, stating that he is poised to guide the airline into its next growth phase.
“We are pleased to announce Mr. Scurrah as our incoming CEO. He comes with over two decades of executive experience across aviation, transport, logistics, and tourism. His proven leadership and results-driven approach make him the right choice for our next chapter,” Patel said.
Mr. Scurrah’s career includes his most recent role as CEO of Pacific National, Australia’s largest private rail freight company, where he spearheaded a comprehensive transformation program focusing on operational excellence, safety innovation, and sustainability. He previously served as CEO of Virgin Australia, where he was commended for his strategic leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing rapid restructuring to preserve core routes and safeguard jobs while positioning the airline for recovery.
The Chairman further noted, “Under Mr. Scurrah’s leadership, Fiji Airways will continue to thrive and maintain its promise to be the airline of choice, both regionally and internationally.” Mr. Scurrah has also held senior roles at Queensland Rail and DP World Australia, and he was instrumental as a founding executive and investor at Rex Airlines, Australia’s largest independent regional carrier.
He will succeed Andre Viljoen, who has led Fiji Airways for an impressive decade. Under Viljoen’s leadership, the airline experienced significant achievements, including expansion from 12 to 24 aircraft, improvements in its SKYTRAX rating from 102nd to 14th globally, and a remarkable increase in annual revenue, from $815.3 million in 2015 to a projected $1.9 billion in 2024. Viljoen also oversaw the establishment of the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, enhancing training standards for future aviators.
As Fiji Airways transitions to new leadership, this presents an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation established by previous management. With Paul Scurrah at the helm, the airline is well-positioned to embrace future innovations and collaborative efforts, ensuring continued excellence in the aviation industry and fostering local talent in Fiji’s tourism sector. The commitment to growth and exceptional service ensures a promising outlook for Fiji Airways as it navigates the evolving landscape of air travel.