Category Archives: Air Vanuatu

Air Vanuatu selects the Airbus A220

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, Hon. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas and Christopher Buckley, Airbus Executive Vice-President Europe, Africa and Pacific officially sign the firm order of four Airbus A220 aircraft (below).

Air Vanuatu’s first ever order with Airbus makes the airline, the launch operator of the A220 in the Southern Pacific region. The order includes two A220-100 series aircraft with 108 seats and two A220-300 series aircraft with 133 seats.

The first delivery is the A220-300, scheduled in June 2020.

All images by the airline and Airbus.

Air Vanuatu to fly to Melbourne, Australia

Air Vanuatu has made this announcement:

Air Vanuatu, Vanuatu’s national carrier, has announced the launch of a new nonstop service between Melbourne, Australia and Port Vila. Commencing on June 17, 2019, the new flight will be the only direct service between the two cities, expanding the airline’s offering in Australia and providing greater access to Vanuatu.

Air Vanuatu is also increasing flights to and from Auckland, New Zealand from three to six services a week. Linking Auckland to Port-Vila on Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays during peak season, these additional services will provide more flexibility for New Zealanders and increase connecting flight options for long-haul travellers.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Air Vanuatu Boeing 737-8Q8 WL YJ-AV1 (msn 30734) SYD (John Adlard). Image: 901990.

Air Vanuatu aircraft slide show:

Air Vanuatu appoints new CEO, considers expansion

Air Vanuatu has appointed Derek Nice as its new CEO. The small Pacific carrier is considering expanding its fleet and network (below).

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Air Vanuatu): Air Vanuatu Boeing 737-8Q8 WL YJ-AV1 (msn 30734) SYD (John Adlard). Image: 901949.

Air Vanuatu aircraft slide show:

Route Map:

All Air Vanuatu flights cancelled due to excessive damage in the islands, flight partially resume on March 16

Air Vanuatu (Port Vila) and the Vanuatu Islands have been slammed with a Category 5 Cyclone (hurricane) named Pam. The cyclone made a direct hit on the capital Port Vila. There is massive damage and possible deaths.

CNN: the cyclone hitting the islands.

Video Below: Early video of the damage in Port Vila:

Read the full report from stuff.co.nz: CLICK HERE

The Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is located around 1,750 km east of Australia, 500 km north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji and south of the Solomon Islands.

The airline issued this short statement today:

As a result of destructive cyclonic activity all Vanuatu airports still remain closed for commercial aircraft. All Air Vanuatu flights have been cancelled until further notice.

Update: The airline has now issued this update:

Port Vila airport has reopened. Planned flights for Monday March 16 are: NF11 Sydney – Vila DEP 0600 ARR 0920| NF10 Vila-Sydney DEP 1120 ARR 1515| NF 01 Sydney – Vila DEP 1615 ARR 2000| NF20 Vila – Brisbane DEP 2200 ARR 2345| All Timings local time.

Check in 2 hours prior departure.

From Tuesday March 17 normal international flight schedules will resume commencing with NF 21 Brisbane/Santo/Port Vila.

VANUATU DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ARE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Air Vanuatu aircraft slide show:

Route Map:

Video: Air day in the life of Air Vanuatu before the massive storm:

Air Vanuatu to go to daily service on the Port Vila-Sydney route on June 26

Air Vanuatu (Port Vila, Vanuatu) will increased the frequency on the Port Vila-Sydney route to dail service starting on June 26. The route is operated with the pictured Boeing 737-800.

Air Vanuatu Slide Show: CLICK HERE