Following his touchdown in Fiji this week, the famous Fijian-Australian, Jarryd Hayne, has today been announced as a global ambassador for the country’s National Airline, Fiji Airways.

Supporting the airline’s efforts to promote the tropical paradise of Fiji to its key markets, the appointment sees the international sports star not only act as an ambassador for the airline, but also for the destination that he also calls home.

“This is an exciting week for me…I have returned to the country half my family is from, I’m training with the best rugby team in the world, and I’ve been appointed an ambassador for Fiji’s national airline,” said Jarryd, speaking from Fiji.

“As it continues to grow and represent Fiji across the globe, the country is very proud of the airline, and I feel honoured to be part of it.  Of course, I love this country and its people, so I hope that I can help encourage more people to travel to Fiji, and experience all that it has to offer,” he continued.

The announcement was made today in Nadi, ahead of the airline’s inaugural flight from Fiji to San Francisco.  Fiji Airways has launched a new direct seasonal service to San Francisco to provide its key markets - including Fiji, Australia and NZ - a new way to fly to North America and beyond.

The launch of a new route also highlights the airline’s focus on encouraging more Americans to experience beautiful Fiji.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, Andre Viljoen said: “We’re delighted to have Jarryd onboard, and have him fly like a Fijian on Fiji Airways. As well as being loved in Fiji, he has a global following and as we launch a new route to and from San Francisco today, we hope more Americans will choose Fiji as their next stop.”

“The new San Francisco route provides our Fijian customers a direct connection to the popular city of San Francisco, and for those in Australia and New Zealand, the perfect opportunity for a pre- or post-trip stopover in beautiful Fiji.  Jarryd speaks very highly of both destinations, so we hope he will help us encourage more people to travel to both.  With the new route expanding our reach in North America, with onward connections to most US and Canadian cities, we expect the route will prove very popular,” he continued.

“I’ve been telling all the boys in San Francisco about Fiji, so now there’s this direct service, hopefully they will come and check it out,” said Jarryd.

In his role as ambassador, Jarryd will feature on the airline’s promotional material and help promote their network destinations to their relevant markets.