Air Pacific – due to be re-branded to Fiji Airways – last night unveiled the look of its new airbus – the A330.

It was unveiled by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

He says it’s always difficult to keep an airline in business considering the competition it has from other countries.

For Air Pacific, the launch of their A330 aircraft shows the dedication of the staff and management.

Bainimarama says the airline business is always cut throat and to have Air Pacific still operational is a result of good management.

Running a successful airline these days is all about being as efficient as possible. Maximizing use, seizing opportunities and keeping a ruthless eye on costs.

Bainimarama also looked back at the time the airline business was almost in tatters.

When my government took office, Air Pacific badly needed reforming. We had the company move efficiently, free up its labor market and alter certain work practices. It was a difficult exercise but we took the hard decisions needed to keep Air Pacific in the air and of course its workers with their jobs.

Meanwhile Air Pacific chief executive – Dave Pfliger says the Fiji Airways masi design has a unique touch which is rusty and modern and also captures the key attributes of Fiji.

The A330 planes are up to 45 per cent more fuel efficient than the Boeing 747s they are replacing.

Full re-branding for the airline is due to be finished by the end of next year.