Vanuatu’s President Baldwin Lonsdale and Caretaker Prime Minister Sato Kilman were at the tarmac of the Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila to receive and welcome Air Vanuatu’s new Boeing 737-800 today.
The national flag carrier touched down at 9.30am. Excited members of the public who gathered around the airport to witness the first landing would not take heed of AVL’s security warnings not to take pictures. They snapped as many pictures as they could.
At the official inaugural ceremony on the tarmac, Air Vanuatu Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Laloyer thanked the efforts of all those involved in making this achievement possible.
In front of a number of dignitaries at the welcome ceremony, Laloyer said this new aircraft will bring a fresh start to the airline after challenges it faced after cyclone Pam.
In response, caretaker Prime Minister Sato Kilman agreed that the airline has undergone many challenges including the destruction of cyclone Pam, the political turmoil, the Bauerfield condition issue that led to Air New Zealand, Qantas and Virgin Blue temporarily pulling out their services.
However, he assured everyone that the airline is now sure to ascertain the position in terms of service delivery it is renowned for.
Mr Kilman also took the time to call on all key government institutions and the private sector to help fight the challenges encountered by the airline. “I ask those siding on the sideline to join instead of complaining”, he said.
The new Boeing was delivered by Boeing (NYE: BA) and Air Lease Corporation (ALC) to Air Vanuatu last year.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Air Lease Corporation Steven F. Udvar-Házy, said at the delivery of the aircraft that the new 737 NG offers significant improvements in fuel efficiency and passenger experience, making it the perfect match for Air Vanuatu as they renew and enhance their fleet.
The newly arrived Boeing 737 – 800 aircraft is scheduled to make its first flight to New Zealand on Wednesday.
Air Vanuatu operates to Australia, New Zealand and destinations in the South Pacific.
Earlier, Mr Laloyer said the company is continuing with its plan to also lease a new ATR 72-600 this year and upgrading its domestic fleet with another Twin Otter.