Air Pacific cuts fares by 30 percent

SUVA, Fiji, March 24 (UPI) -- Air Pacific, the national carrier of the island country of Fiji, has cut fares by 30 percent to Australia, New Zealand and other South Pacific destinations.

The airline said Wednesday it has been forced to take the action to compete with two budget airlines allowed to serve Fiji.

Freedom Air and Flight Centre have been given the go ahead to operate services to Fiji from New Zealand, Radio Australia reported.

Air Pacific Managing Director John Campbell says the new fares will be available on a permanent basis beginning May 1.