Fiji Airways has appointed ex-Virgin Australia chief Paul Scurrah as its incoming CEO and managing director.
Scurrah, who succeeds long-time airline leader Andre Viljoen, will step into his role on 1 November, states the carrier.
Scurrah was Virgin Australia’s CEO from 2019 and led the airline through the early days of the pandemic before it ultimately went into administration in April 2020. Virgin was later bought over by private investment firm Bain Capital and exited administration.
Prior to taking helm of Fiji Airways, Scurrah was CEO of Australian rail freight company Pacific National.
In a statement announcing Scurrah’s appointment, Fiji Airways says the selection of Scurrah follows “a comprehensive internal, national and global search process”.
“The board is confident that under his leadership, Fiji Airways will be guided through the dynamic challenges of global aviation and beyond, continuing to thrive and delivering on its promise to be the airline of choice in the region and internationally, while maintaining strong financial discipline, customer excellence, and national pride,” adds Fiji Airways chair Nalin Patel.
Viljoen caps off a 10-year career as Fiji Airways’ CEO, where he oversaw its “significant growth”, including taking in its first Airbus A350s, as well as its entry into the Oneworld alliance.
Fiji Airways says Viljoen – who has since been appointed to lead Air Mauritius – will remain on the airline’s board of directors.
