Fiji Airways, the flag carrier airline of Fiji, has chosen Airbus A350-900 to fulfill its expansion plans to broaden international network. The aircraft will be leased from Dubai-based DAE Capital.

The airline already operates the fleet of widebody aircraft consisting of six Airbus A330. Meanwhile, with two new A350-900, configured with 33 full lie-flat Business Class and 301 Economy Class seats, it is set to boost popular flights between Fiji and the US as well as Australia.

Airbus also said that the choice of A350 aircraft is easy to understand as A350 and A330 share common type rating. It means that “pilots who are qualified and current on the A330 can already commence preparations to take the A350 XWB’s controls by undergoing “differences training” only, meaning a significant cost savings & operational flexibility”.

The delivery is set for November and December this year.