Planned start-up airline Fiji Airways is once again facing an uncertain future. The carrier has failed to secure two leased aircraft from Singapore Airlines (SIA), in the face of continued delays in gaining approval from the Indian Government for flights between Bombay and London.
Under a letter of intent signed with SIA, the Singapore-based Fijian carrier had been scheduled to make a deposit by 7 August, at the latest, to secure a Boeing 747-300 combi and Airbus Industrie A310. The aircraft are now back on the market, with cargo start-up Canada West believed to be interested in the 747 and a second aircraft.
Fiji has still not received some F$10 million ($5 million) in promised capital, the bulk of which was coming from 40% shareholder Pan Asia Gold.
The carrier blames the problem on delays in getting Indian approval to operate fifth and sixth freedom services between London and Bombay.
"Shareholders are not going to invest funds on a route that is not approved," says Fiji chief operating officer Pravin Jumabhoy.
Source: Flight International
