Fiji's major international airline Air Pacific Limited has been named the best airline in the South Pacific in the Global Traveler's fifth annual award survey for 2008.

Global Traveler is a U.S. publication with a circulation of 100,000 and a readership of 268,000 per month and is focused on the high-end business and leisure travel.

Airline managing director and chief executive John Campbell said awards were determined by the votes of 31,457 travelers, the Fijilive website reported on Feb. 17.

He said Air Pacific's selection by highly experienced American travelers was a testament to the efforts of the entire Air Pacific team, who strived to personify the Fijian spirit, renowned for warmth, friendliness and welcoming attitudes.

"Each aspect of Air Pacific's service is focused on customer satisfaction, which continues to be a high priority and an important component of Air Pacific's success in a very competitive environment," Campbell said.

The award considered in-flight comfort, roominess, meals and drinks, in-flight entertainment, friendliness and efficiency of service and overall ambience of the journey.

Air Pacific operates a fleet of Boeing aircraft to 18 destinations in 11 countries.

Computer-Generated Image: A Boeing 787 aircraft in Air Pacific livery.