Fiji Airways today announced the leasing of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Malindo Air, to cover schedules due to the extended global grounding of its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

In a statement, the airline says Malindo Air will operate flights on behalf of Fiji Airways between Nadi and Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, and Christchurch.

Fiji Airways adds the temporary lease arrangement ensures minimum disruption to passengers.

The aircraft comes equipped with 12 Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class Seats.

The first Fiji Airways flight operated by Malindo Air will be a Nadi to Brisbane service on the 16th of this month.

Malindo Air is a Malaysian airline with headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.