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Captain Anton Petkovich is the Manager of Flight Operations Training at Fiji Airways. Capt. Petkovich took the time to answer a few questions about his flying career and working with Fiji Airways.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your flying career so far.
I have been a commercial pilot for 30 years. I began my career in General Aviation in Australia flying single and twin engine aircraft. I moved into regional airline operations in the early nineties flying large twin engine turbo-prop aircraft. I then moved overseas to Hong Kong and began my jet aircraft career flying Airbus wide and narrow body and then Boeing 744.
I have been involved in pilot training from the beginning of my career across all aircraft I have flown. I very much enjoy the challenges that come with training and working with enthusiastic and professional aircrew.
What is your role with Fiji Airways?
My current role with Fiji Airways is Manager Flight Operations Training. I am responsible for the training of all pilots on the A330 and B737NG Fleets.
What are the future plans for the airline in terms of fleet growth and new routes?
We currently have six A330 and four B737NG aircraft, with three more on order. We are also excited to have two A350 aircraft on order, which will arrive before the end of this year.
What are the skills and attributes that you are looking for in a Fiji Airways pilot?
Apart from the regular skills and competencies pilots require, we also look for integrity, enthusiasm and resilience in our pilots.
How have you found working with Rishworth?
As my relationship develops and matures with the key personnel at Rishworth, I am finding it easier and straightforward in my dealings day to day.
What are your favourite things about being based in Fiji?
The people first and foremost and the country itself is stunning and very easy to adjust to.
About Fiji
Fiji is a beautiful and sunny island country in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of 300 islands with palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear turquoise lagoons. It is one of the best places in the world for surfing, snorkelling and diving. Being the hub of South Pacific tourism, the country is always lively and vibrant.
About Fiji Airways and Rishworth Aviation
Rishworth Aviation has been helping pilots on assignment to this popular South Pacific destination for 20 years with Fiji Airways.
Fiji Airways (formerly Air Pacific) operates A330 and B737NG aircraft to destinations around the Pacific Rim including New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, San Francisco, Honolulu and Los Angeles. This airline has excellent commuting flexibility, nominated crew bases including: Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Los Angeles.
Fiji Airways has plans to double its fleet over the next 10 years to keep up with growing tourism traffic in the region. There will be increasing opportunities on wide and narrow body aircraft. The airline has recently announced that scheduled services using two new A350 aircraft will commence in the first quarter of 2020.