Commercial, Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions  -  September 19, 2024

Fiji Airways Adds Hybrid-Electric VTOL Aircraft

Fiji Airways, Fiji's national airline company, announced that the company signed an expression of interest letter for an independent hybrid VTOL cargo aircraft. 

Pilot programs using aircraft from Odys Aviation, a sustainable aviation company building hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, are expected to commence in 2025.

Odys Aviation’s "Laila" aircraft is designed in multiple configurations for cargo and, with up to a 400-mile range, will connect all of Fiji’s 330 islands. Flights operated via these aircraft provide a low-carbon air cargo alternative for routes across the South Pacific and will open up new emergency medical routes that have been inaccessible because of infrastructure challenges.

In addition, operating Odys’ Laila aircraft will allow Fiji Airways to expand its commercial landscape and open up contracts with logistics and government agencies to support NGO operations across the region.

“There’s no doubt that the era of sustainable aviation is upon us and through our partnership with Odys Aviation, Fiji Airways is strengthening its focus on reducing aviation emissions and defining a roadmap to serve the next generation of travelers,” said Andre Viljoen, CEO of Fiji Airways, in a statement. “This partnership will do more than just expand Fiji Airways’ commercial operations for today; it will drive our investment in the future of travel and lifestyle for the people of Fiji as well.”