BACKGROUND Air Pacific began direct flights between Fiji’s Nadi International Airport and Hong Kong in December 2009. This opened up the South Pacific to the Hong Kong and China market for the first time – previously the easiest routes involved tiresome dog-legs via Tokyo, Brisbane, Sydney or Auckland. A third weekly flight was added in December 2010. Air Pacific officials promise more service enhancements in the future, so it is clear that China figures large in their strategic planning. The airline has a codeshare partnership with Cathay Pacific.
CHECK-IN My first disappointment was that Air Pacific passengers cannot check in for their flight at the downtown Central check-in area.
My second disappointment was learning that the airline’s check-in counters are in Terminal 2 of HKIA. Although it is perfectly adequate, somehow the newer terminal feels badly laid out and distinctly inferior to Terminal 1. That said, the staff at the counter were efficient and helpful.
THE LOUNGE Sadly, another disappointment followed, when I was told that despite the codeshare agreement Tabua Class passengers are not entitled to any business lounge privileges in HKIA. I opted for the Traveller’s Lounge instead, which offers shower facilities, snacks, drinks, wifi and comfortable seating at a cost of HK$400/US$53 for a two-hour period, but providing access to a business lounge is something that should be considered.
BOARDING As a Tabua Class passenger I was entitled to priority boarding, but the 767-300ER is a “slimline” aircraft with only one entrance for all classes, so boarding early resulted in an extended period of time being gazed at enviously by economy class passengers as they filed past. However, on the plus side, the plane departed precisely on time at 1640.
THE SEAT I was given seat 2A and was lucky enough to have an empty seat next to me, as the shared central armrest would be a little cramped for two. The seat was of an old-fashioned variety – not as wide as today’s modern business-class offerings on the large international carriers, but perfectly adequate in terms of personal space. The 160-degree recline with rising leg rest proved to be fairly comfortable, but this was helped in no small part by the ample, thick cushion that supported my back (additional cushions were freely given out).
However, apart from the back-of-seat pocket facing you and a cramped recess for incidentals in the hip area, there was nothing else to boast about – no in-seat phone or electrical socket for your laptop, not even a personal built-in TV. Instead, an electronic multimedia tablet called a digEplayer XT was provided.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE There are 18 Tabua Class seats on Air Pacific’s “Island of Taveuni” Boeing 767-300ER, which is the regular aircraft for this route. Plenty of legroom ensures easy passage from window seats into the aisle without disturbing your neighbour, and the lavatory is on the far side of the galley towards the cockpit so this is not an issue when choosing your seat. It would be hard to commend any one seat in preference to another – even the usual “window or aisle” choice was redundant as almost the whole flight is through night-time darkness.
THE FLIGHT From the moment I sat down, I was treated to an excellent level of service from the Fijian flight attendants, who were refreshingly free of affectation, always smiling and highly efficient. I was greeted with a chilled orange juice, a hot, scented face towel and my choice of Fijian or Hong Kong publications.
My order for an after-takeoff aperitif was taken, as was my choice for dinner – from three options I plumped for zesty chicken curry with a cumin soup starter. The soup had fine flavour but could have been hotter; the chicken with basmati rice, sautéed vegetables and roti bread was, nevertheless, excellent. The buffet-style breakfast also scored highly. I was also impressed throughout the flight by the attentive service – drinks and snacks were provided whenever needed.
The digEplayer multimedia tablet worked as well as any in-seat personal entertainment system, and offered a selection of six English-language films, eight TV shows, 25 music videos, a multitude of music channels and games, and a selection of audio texts.
ARRIVAL The plane approached its destination as a glorious sunrise bathed the sea in glittering light – always an inspiration. We landed smoothly and within 15 minutes I had cleared immigration, collected my baggage and passed through customs to be met in the arrivals hall by a smiling Fijian with a welcome necklace. If only all flights could end this way.
Jeremy Tredinnick
VERDICT It is hard for smaller airlines to compete with the big-name carriers in terms of hardware and software, but understanding this, Air Pacific focuses on excelling in other areas to keep the customer happy – and in this it succeeds admirably.
PLANE TYPE B767-300ER
SEAT CONFIGURATION 2-2-2 business, 2-3-2 economy
SEAT PITCH 50in/127cm (economy 32in/81.3cm)
SEAT WIDTH 20in/50.8cm
PRICE Internet rate for a return Tabua class ticket including surcharges in September is HK$15,045 (US$1,930)
CONTACT www.airpacific.com
