Viking Air has inked a deal with Fiji Airways to sell three Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft to be used as a regional commuter service around the island nation.
The deal also includes an option for an additional aircraft. Viking intends to deliver the aircraft between October and February. They join Fiji Airways’ existing fleet of three legacy Twin Otter aircraft. “The Twin Otter remains the aircraft of choice for our subsidiary Fiji Link’s operations to most of Fiji’s smaller airports,” said Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways managing director. “The Series 400 is a definite step up for our expanded Twin Otter fleet, and will allow us to increase capacity to key Fijian destinations.” Each aircraft carries 19 passengers.
Sinclair leads new harbour marina
The Victoria International Marina has named local management expert Steve Sinclair as its director of operations. Sinclair, who previously held the position as general manager with the Oak Bay Marina, will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the marina, including welcoming guests, provisioning and servicing yachts and working with the concierge team to anticipate owner and guest needs and requests. Sinclair grew up on the coast and is an avid boater. He is also a former professional Major League Baseball pitcher, and took the mound for the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays during his career. The Victoria International Marina welcomes its first guests to the 28-slip facility this month.
Nanaimo brewer honoured for IPA
White Sails Brewing of Nanaimo has brewed a world’s best with its Snake Island CDA. The Island brewery won the award for the best black IPA at the World Beer Awards in London. The beer had initially won the Canadian best-of-style award before it was pitted against beer from around the world.
Elgersma named to tourism post
Tourism Cowichan has named Karen Elgersma as its new executive director. Elgersma, who spent more than 25 years in communications, was most recently with Tourism Victoria. Elgersma was also the producer and host of Shaw TV’s Go Island. She worked with Shaw for 18 years.
Musical movers
The Victoria Conservatory of Music has hired Simon MacDonald as its head of strings for the Ann and George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music. MacDonald, who will join Sept. 1, replaces Michael van der Sloot, who spent seven years in the post. “[He] brings with him a genuine love and keen interest to look deeply into the process of teaching. His many years of experience mentoring students from school age to seniors, and at all levels, will underpin the high quality teaching found throughout the department,” said Stephen Green, dean of the conservatory. MacDonald was previously concert master of the Regina Symphony, a post he held since 2014, and was co-curator and performer with the Regina Symphony Chamber Players.
