Air Vanuatu

Australian Aviation Experts to Assess the State Of Struggling Air Vanuatu

The aviation experts have already arrived in Port Vila and were chosen upon a request from Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau.

Air travel to Vanuatu has typically only been possible through Air Vanuatu. While the severe lack of competition can usually be seen as a good thing for an airline monopoly in a tourism-dependent country, the outcome is different for the national carrier. But why was Air Vanuatu struggling to thrive in ideal conditions? Well for starters, the airline was operating a fleet of less than six aircraft in pre-pandemic times.

Air Vanuatu head issues ultimatum

The CEO, Joseph Laloyer, has given the former chairman of the board, Sam Firi, and the former CEO, Atu Finau, until next Monday to clear debts of over $US70,000.

RNZ Pacific reports both men allegedly chartered company aircraft for their own use during their tenures and also have computers that belong to the company.

Laloyer has told them that it is best if the matter is resolved as soon as possible.

The Vanuatu government considers the airline to be in a mess and this week brought in Australian aviation experts to develop a plan to turn it around.

     

Aust experts to look into state of troubled Air Vanuatu

A source from the airline said the team has come in following a request for a rapid assessment from Prime Minister, Ishmael Kalsakau.

There are two phases of this assessment, which could take up to 45 days.

Our correspondent said that Initially they will look at the financial state of the airline, along with staffing levels and the suitability of the aircraft in use.

The second phase will consider immediate options to improve staff moral and improve schedule reliability.

Problems at Air Vanuatu impact travellers

Vanuatu's national carrier is facing staff shortages, and allegations of poor management have been aimed at its CEO, according to RNZ Pacific's correspondent in the country.

Hilaire Bule said more than 15,000 people were travelling during the Christmas and New Year period and most of them were forced to travel by boat due to issues at the airline.

Bule said he himself experienced the flight cancellation due to a shortage of pilots.

Air Vanuatu's Only 737 Grounded While Waiting For Parts

Of course, if you're a carrier like American Airlines with more than 900 aircraft, or even a Qantas with 125, there is a fair chance a replacement is soon found. In the meantime, the ripple effect soon engulfs lots of disgruntled passengers, and the Twitterverse quickly lights up.

So please spare a thought for Air Vanuatu, a small but vital airline located in the beautiful South Pacific Ocean, around two and a half hours flying from Brisbane, Australia.

Vanuatu government says proposal to deliver air services for Tonga would be a ‘win-win’

Vanuatu Prime Minister Bob Loughman has asked Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni to sign an air services agreement.

Loughman said such an agreement could come into effect in a “post Covid” world.

Vanuatu’s Covid travel restrictions will be lifted on 1 July.

Loughman said the proposal would entail a “a win-win for our national airlines and governments, post-COVID.”

Such an agreement would allow Air Vanuatu to ensure that fares between the two Island nations, Australia and New Zealand would remain stable.

Residents get vital access back as Vanuatu airport to reopen

The airport was closed after a plane crash in 2008 that resulted in one death and others being injured.

Since then residents have endured high land and sea transport costs to access essential services in Luganville town.

Secretary-General of the Sanma Provincial Government Council (SPGC), Albert Ruddley, said the reopening of the airport will enable cheaper transport, and quicker responses to emergency cases.

He said the flights will also have an economic spin-off as it will allow suppliers of tobacco, mats, honey, kava and seafood access to Luganville markets.

Vanuatu Government to pay lease owing on Air Vanuatu twin otter

Local newspaper Daily Post reports that Air Vanuatu owed lessor Hevilift US$348,000 and was expected to return the aircraft on 18 May for failing to pay the lease payments.

A meeting was held between a Hevilift representative and Vanuatu’s minister of finance as well as the minister for the ministry of infrastructure and public utilities (MIPU), and other shareholders of Air Vanuatu, says Daily News.

The government committed to sorting out the outstanding bill and continuing to keep the aircraft in Vanuatu, confirms MIPU spokesman, Antoine Malsungai.

Air Vanuatu announces international flights from 1 July as borders re-open

The new schedule includes weekly direct flights to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Nadi, Noumea, Auckland and the new destination of Funafuti in Tuvalu.

The flights are now ready for travellers to book online, through our Sales offices or preferred Travel Agent.

“We are ready to go and have worked diligently with the Vanuatu Government and local tourism organisations to ensure that Vanuatu is reconnected to the world in an ambitious and effective way” said Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Atu Finau.

Air Vanuatu opens new headquarters

The building was opened by the Prime Minister, Bob Loughman.

Air Vanuatu’s Chief Executive Officer, Atu Finau said, the land which the headquarters sits on was purchased in 2012, however construction began in August last year.

Finau congratulated Atom Limited for their dedication which resulted in the completion of the building. He also acknowledged Derrick Boudier the architect, engineers, builders and suppliers who were involved in the construction.