“I am humbled by this award and grateful to have worked alongside so many dedicated people across Australia’s transport and logistics sectors over many years,” Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive Paul Scurrah said after being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.
Mr Scurrah is among 160 Australians recognised with the AM this year for his significant service to Australia’s transport, logistics and freight sectors. He has spent more than two decades leading large-scale organisations through periods of transformation, with a focus on safety, operational resilience, workforce engagement and customer service.
“Throughout his career, he has helped strengthen supply chain capability, modernise logistics operations, improve safety performance and support essential services that underpin economic activity and community wellbeing,” Fiji Airways said.
“His work has contributed to improved industry standards and ensured critical freight and logistics networks continued to operate reliably during times of disruption.”
Fiji Airways chairman Nalin Patel said the honour reflected both Mr Scurrah’s legacy in Australia and the leadership he now brings to Fiji’s national airline.
“Paul’s appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia is a well-deserved recognition of his contribution to industries fundamental to national and regional connectivity,” Mr Patel said.
“The Board is proud to have a leader of his calibre guiding Fiji Airways. His international experience and values-based leadership continue to strengthen the airline and position it for long-term, sustainable growth.”
Since joining Fiji Airways, Mr Scurrah has set the airline’s strategic direction, reinforced a strong safety culture and placed people and service excellence at the centre of operations. Under his leadership, the airline is pursuing its goal of becoming the World’s Happiest Airline while maintaining reliable global connectivity for Fiji.
“These industries are about connecting people, businesses and communities, and any contribution I’ve made has been the result of strong teams working with a shared sense of purpose. I am equally proud of the work we are doing at Fiji Airways, serving Fiji and connecting our islands to the world,” Mr Scurrah said.
In total, 680 people were recognised in the general division of the 2026 Australia Day Honours, including 10 Companions of the Order of Australia (AC), 38 Officers (AO), 160 Members (AM) and 472 recipients of the Medal of the Order (OAM).
The list includes people recommended to the Governor-General by the Council of the Order of Australia and organisations responsible for recommending meritorious, distinguished, and conspicuous honours.
“On my second Australia Day as your Governor-General, I am delighted to announce the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.” The Governor-General said.
“Throughout 2025, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system and the people who for the past half century have epitomised the best of Australia.”
“The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care.”
“Congratulations to everyone recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List. As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others. It is rewarding to see an increase in the number of awards, which reflects more nominations and recognition of the many Australians who inspire the best in all of us.”
Recipients of the honours will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in the coming months, where they will formally receive the insignia of their awards.
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