Fiji Airways announced a record profit before income tax of FJ$131.81 million (SAT$160 million) and operating revenue of FJ$1.8 billion.

These are the highest ever in the history of the national airline. All Fiji Airways staff were given a bonus of FJ$5,000 each.

Based on the record-breaking financial performance, the Fiji Airways Board of Directors endorsed a profit share payout to all eligible non-management employees to recognise their hard work and dedication.

The Fiji Airways board also approved the payment of an interim dividend of FJ$15 million.

The Group released its financial results for the period ending December 31, 2023.

It was also revealed that they repaid FJ$100 million in debt, the seat capacity increased by 47 per cent to 2.8 million, passengers flown increased by 57 per cent to 2.2 million, their equity was restored to FJ$265.7 million, and employees increased by 37 per cent to 2,051 employees.

The company said in a statement that 2023 marked a transformative year for Fiji Airways, characterised by a full-scale ramp-up in operations and unprecedented growth.

It said the financial year saw the complete reopening of international markets and full restoration of the Group's 2019 network coupled with significant growth.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andre Viljoen said he was extremely proud of the commitment and determination shown by the entire team to help achieve these historic results.

He said given the difficult times that the company and the nation went through during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching these milestones in such a short time, was testament of the grit and tenacity of the Fiji Airways Vuvale.

Fiji Airways Group Chairman, Nalin Patel congratulated the company for the stellar performance. He said the record breaking revenue earnings and profit shown by the national airline were truly remarkable.

Other key achievements for 2023 are new services to Canberra in Australia and Noumea in Caledonia, resumption of flights to Adelaide, Hong Kong and Tokyo, full year of service direct to Vancouver, Canada, signed partnerships with JetBlue and Porter Airlines further expanding their footprint in North America, implementation of Unbundled Fares to allow customers the option to ‘Fly Your Way’, creating a dedicated ESG function focused on widening their sustainability improvements/actions, securing major sponsorships; Fiji Men’s and Women's’ National 7’s teams, Fijian Drua, Melbourne Storm, Kaiviti Silktails, LA Galaxy, and NRL Vegas Round.

Fiji Airways will be commencing Phase 2 construction of their world class Fiji Airways Aviation Academy which includes the addition of CAE A350 and ATR full flight simulators and more estimated to cost FJ$130 million, refinancing Asian Development Bank’s loan of US$32 million and deferred leases of US$10.2 million of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, through domestic borrowings to reduce interest costs and foreign exchange exposures, promoting or progressing 47 local Fijian pilots via training at the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, operating first ever flight fueled by Sustainable Aviation Fuel operated out of Singapore, acquiring additional shares in Richmond Pte Limited trading as Sofitel Resort and Spa to increase shareholding to 50 per cent, acquiring shares in the new Vatu Talei Pte Limited - 190 room resort development estimated to cost over FJ$230.0 million and expected to commence operations in late 2026.