Fiji Airways has soared into aviation history, becoming the smallest carrier by fleet size ever to be named among the Top 10 Airlines in the World after securing the APEX World Class Airline for 2026 Award.
The honour, regarded as the most prestigious in global aviation, crowns a remarkable rise for the Fijian flag carrier, which also clinched the APEX Innovation Award for Best Inflight Food and Beverage 2026 following the launch of its new Pacific Rim menu and redesigned inflight service.
Fiji Airways is the only airline in Oceania to achieve this recognition, a feat Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andre Viljoen described as “a proud and historic moment for the airline and for Fiji.”
The World Class Award is conferred through a rigorous process that combines independent audits with passenger feedback from across the globe, evaluating excellence in safety, sustainability, well-being, service and customer experience.
Viljoen recalled the scale of the transformation: “In 2016, we were ranked outside the world’s Top 100 airlines. Today, through sheer grit, relentless innovation, and the unbreakable spirit of our people, we have risen to be named one of the Top 10 Airlines in the World. This recognition is not just an award, it’s about showing every Fijian, and every member of our team, that we can achieve the impossible. We are the David in a world of Goliaths — and we are winning.”
From small island skies to the global stage
The achievement follows one of the most extensive overhauls in the airline’s history. Fiji Airways invested in new galley and service equipment, created supply chains for freshly sourced produce, and collaborated with local businesses both large and small to reimagine its hospitality.
Months were devoted to designing a Pacific Rim-inspired dining experience and revamping service flows. Cabin crew underwent up to two weeks of intensive training, with 16 selected to become World Class Trainers after completing a 10-week programme.
“It was a massive undertaking that required months of preparation, dedication, and teamwork before the very first World Class flight took off,” said Viljoen.
The airline’s chief stressed the importance of aiming higher: “To excel, we cannot afford to be ordinary. We need to stand out, to be unmistakably remarkable, and to create an experience so extraordinary that travellers choose Fiji Airways not just for where we fly, but for how we make them feel. That is why we embarked on the World Class journey. It required us to lift every part of our airline to a standard that only the world’s best achieve. It gives us a powerful point of difference that no amount of advertising and marketing can buy.”
Looking forward
With its place now cemented among the world’s leaders in aviation excellence, Fiji Airways is determined not to stand still. “As we look ahead, Fiji Airways remains focused on constant innovation and raising the bar even higher,” said Viljoen.
For Fiji, the recognition shines an international spotlight not only on the airline but also on the island nation as a premier travel destination, reinforcing its place on the global map.
