Introducing the Latest to the Air Pacific Family: Airbus A330-200

By David Pflieger

Beginning in March 2013, Air Pacific will welcome three new aircraft from Airbus into its family at Nadi International Airport in Fiji. The Airbus A330-200 is a wide-body aircraft operated by many major airlines around the world and is used in a range of capacities from short-haul routes to international oceanic routes. With a capacity of up to 253 passengers, the Airbus A330 is typically configured in a two-class cabin layout with a variety of modern amenities such as on-board in-flight entertainment and communications. In addition to passengers, the wide-body A330-200 is also a cargo workhorse, with the ability to carry large, industry-standard containers.

Through technology upgrades and an increased maximum takeoff weight, the Airbus A330-200 models in the Air Pacific fleet are well positioned to serve a variety of destinations. With a range of 7050 nautical miles and increased fuel efficiency, the aircraft is ideal for point-to-point operations throughout the Pacific Rim and is a symbol of Air Pacific’s continuing expansion throughout the region.

About the author: An airline industry veteran who has worked for major carriers such as Delta and Virgin America, David Pflieger joined Air Pacific in May 2010 as the company’s Managing Director and CEO.

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An Overview of Air Pacific

Founded in 1951 by renowned aviator, navigator, and inventor Harold George Gatty, Fiji’s international airline Air Pacific has been going strong ever since. Currently run by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Pflieger, Air Pacific flies more than 400 flights every week to 10 countries across the globe, carrying a total of over one million passengers a year. The airline has more than 800 employees, making it a major employer in Fiji.

A longtime member of the airline industry, CEO David Pflieger understands the importance of how the world connects through air travel. The Air Pacific fleet includes Boeing 747, 767, 737, ATR-42 and DHC6 Twin Otter planes that fly to Hong Kong, Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and more.

Air Pacific provides passengers both business and economy class, respectively dubbed Tabua Class and Pacific Voyager. Tabua Class offers a three-course meal and a wide selection of wines and liqueurs in addition to individual screens with 21 channels to choose from. Pacific Voyager presents a relaxed and friendly environment for the economy traveler, including in-flight entertainment and snacks inspired by South Pacific cuisine.

A Look Inside Virgin America’s “Green” Terminal 2 By David Pflieger

In 2011, Virgin America opened its brand new home inside Terminal 2 (T2) at San Francisco International Airport. The airline, long known for its commitment to green initiatives, set the bar once more with T2, which was awarded LEED gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. T2 is the first airport terminal of its kind in the United States to achieve this certification.  T2 incorporates design elements that require up to 20 percent less energy through modern ventilation and natural lighting that reduces electricity usage. By nudging its flyers to fill reusable water bottles past security, T2 reduces the amount of throwaway bottles sold on the concourse, thereby reducing waste. T2 also invited slow food movement vendors to offer sustainable dining options such as organic food and beverages to Virgin America flyers.

In building T2, contractors recycled up to 90 percent of the construction waste and implemented a reclaimed water reuse program throughout the building.

About the author: A former Virgin America executive who played an instrumental role in organizing the airline’s business growth, David Pflieger also pushed the company to adopt green initiatives during its early days. He is currently the Managing Director and CEO of Air Pacific.

Virgin America Continues to Find Success in Green Initiatives By David Pflieger

San Francisco-based airline Virgin America has received a number of accolades in its short history, including awards from Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure as the Best Domestic Airline for three years in a row. With a savvy business strategy that positioned Virgin America as one of the top carriers in the United States, the airline is also fully committed to exploring green initiatives.

In a 2010 ranking, Virgin America topped 10 other domestic carriers as the greenest airline in the United States. The criteria were based on use or development of alternative fuel options, recycling programs, green or sustainable food options, carbon offsets, and green building design.

That same year, Virgin America announced the company’s partnership with San Francisco International Airport for a new home at Terminal 2, which was awarded LEED gold-certified status. The airline leveraged sustainable design practices to achieve success at Terminal 2, which opened to rave reviews in 2011.

About the author: David Pflieger is a former executive with Virgin America and played a key role in launching the airline in 2006. Mr. Pflieger also had a hand in laying the groundwork for the company’s green initiatives.