When Fiji Airways rebranded from Air Pacific in 2013, the aim was to reconnect the airline with the Melanesian culture and heritage that travellers encounter from the moment they land in Fiji. Tradition is the backbone of life in the islands, where lovo feasts (pit barbecues) still accompany local celebrations, and kava ceremonies (a drink made from the root of the yaqona plant) continue to welcome guests to the hill villages. While such things don’t easily translate to a cabin space 10,000m in the air, there are nods to Fijian culture and ceremony throughout flights, offering passengers a taste of what’s to come.
The bula spirit
At both check-in and boarding you will hear the word “bula!”, a phrase that goes beyond a simple greeting. Its literal translation is ‘life’, and it’s used as a way to wish happiness and longevity. It’s also woven throughout Fijian culture. During kava ceremonies, for instance, guests should clap once, yell “bula” and then down their cups.
The phrase ‘bula spirit’ has been coined to describe the importance of hospitality in Fiji. It’s something the national airline has embraced, thanks to the smiling, attentive crew. In Business class on long-haul flights, for example, you can expect ample storage and spacious seats that turn into lie-flat beds. The crew prepare these with soft bedding, pillows and a mattress topper, ensuring optimum comfort.
Business class also comes with larger (39–43cm) monitors than standard for using the in-flight entertainment system. This comes pre-loaded for everyone with the usual international fare and a library of local TV, films and music. Albums include the Fiji Police Band (a long-running group made up of island officers) performing sigidrigi songs for kava drinking. Also check out the ‘Queen of Vude’ Laisa Vulakoro, known for her mix of country music, meke rhythms and disco. It makes for a handy pre-landing cultural primer.
Those in Economy class wanting more room should opt for the aptly named ‘Bula Space’ (what else would it be called?), which provides more legroom than the standard seating.
Reviving masi art
The design of the crew’s uniforms offers an unexpected glimpse into an important island tradition, thanks to the use of traditional masi (tapa cloth) print motifs created by a local artist.
This cloth, traditionally made by Fiji’s Indigenous iTaukei people from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree, was once ubiquitous on the islands. It was used in clothing, ceremonial objects and as currency – in museums, you can even find editions of local newspapers printed on it. Those preparing it these days (the bark must be stripped, cleaned, pounded and pasted together) are few and far between, although a handful of artisans still practice this method.
Central to the uniform’s design is the teteva motif, designed by the late Fijian artist Makereta Matemosi. She made masi art for most of her life in the Namuka-i-Lau settlement near Lami, only turning this into a business in her later years out of necessity. Her daughter, Koto, continues her work in the village at Matemosi Masi Artisans (visit its Facebook page for details on where she sells her art).
The diamond at the heart of the teteva motif symbolises love for the islands. This pattern recurs throughout the plane – on fabrics, tables and even on the empennage. You’ll also find masi motifs on the recently redesigned (and rather high-end) Business-class amenity kits, which come with toiletries, large eye masks and bamboo toothbrushes, packaged using cardboard and recycled plastic.
A taste of Fiji
The spirit of island life is arguably best embodied by the onboard catering. Even the coffee served in-flight is made from beans grown in the highlands of Viti Levu (Fiji’s largest island) and roasted locally in Nadi, not far from the airport. It’s a conscious effort to support local farmers and suppliers.
Ingredients and menus are likewise locally inspired. In both Business class and the impressive 200-seat premier lounge in Nadi airport, the a la carte three-course menu features interesting takes on Fijian dishes, such as ika vakalolo (fish in coconut cream) or the new signature dessert purini, a classic island steamed coconut pudding that dates back to British colonial influence in the late 19th century. It’s a must-try, regardless of where you find it.
From warm welcomes to local dishes served at 10,000m, Fiji Airways sets the tone for visits to the islands, and its thoughtful touches inspire the cultural curiosity of flyers. I guess that’s all just part of the ‘bula spirit’.
Fiji Airways: In numbers
1951
The year Fiji Airways was founded by Harold Gatty, who set a record for circumnavigating the globe by air (8d, 15h, 51m) in 1931.
7
The number of seats on the De Havilland Dragon Rapide plane used on the first-ever Fiji Airways flight.
15
The number of airlines that are now part of the oneworld alliance. Fiji Airways joined on 30 March, with other members including American Airlines, British Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Qantas.
26,586
The number of Fiji Airways flights in 2024.
