FJI: Fiji Airways FJ360 (Economy)

SIN-NAN (10h 5m)
Airbus 330-200
ETD: 10.15am (GMT + 8)
ETA: 12.20am (GMT + 12)

Upon hearing the news that Fiji Airways would introduce direct flight service from Singapore to Nadi and vice versa, I was tremendously excited. I'd always been wanting to go to that exotic holiday destination that's blessed with 333 tropical islands, and I finally did without the need to transit at Australia.

I reached Changi Airport Terminal 1 at around 7.30am. As it was still early, there wasn't any queue at the check-in counter.

The flag carrier of Fiji uses the relatively new Airbus 330-200 aircraft for the route. It was parked at Gate C15 next to Xiamen Air. Can you also spot China Southern and EVA Air in the picture below?

Lovely livery, isn't it?

Boarding time!

Bula! Sit back, relax and enjoy Fiji Time, an expression that describes the slow pace of time with the country's laid-back atmosphere.

The view from my seat, 29A. Hello, Philippine Airlines and Jetstar!

There was a waiting time of approximately 15 minutes before the doors were closed. Afterwards, the safety demonstration video was shown. The flight attendants positioned themselves to show where the emergency exit doors are in the aircraft.

Off we went! While the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) didn't showcase a wide array of movies and games, I was glad I could watch Kung Fu Panda 3 that I'd missed earlier in the year.

Fiji's immigration card

The first meal service began. While the food was pretty good, I felt that the portion was too small. Read here for more details.

Bottles and bottles of Fiji water!

Each female flight attendant of the airline has a frangipani flower tucked behind the ear.

Main course #1: Teriyaki Chicken with Fried Rice

Main course #2: Fish Korma with Basmati Rice

After the meal, it was time to visit the lavatory. There wasn't anything much, but a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste were placed on each of the seat pockets.

It's always difficult for a light sleeper like me to be able to fly into the dreamland, so the rest of the time was spent on reading the magazine and playing various games on the IFE. I only managed to catch a nap for half an hour or so.

Flying over the Gulf of Carpentaria!

The portion of the second meal was even smaller.

Light meal: Chicken Pasta

After the trays had been cleared, a video on biosecurity was shown. Fiji tries its best to protect its nature, thus the authority is pretty strict when it comes to the declaration of biosecurity risk goods, including food, animals, plants and used materials.

Almost there!

The flight ended with a smooth landing at Nadi International Airport. Below are the two photos that I should've taken while boarding the aircraft. Haha...