Air Vanuatu

Inquiry says planned A220s buy wrong for Air Vanuatu

The chairman of the commission, John Path told Justice Minister Esmon Saimon their four month investigation found the A220 is not suitable for Vanuatu.

He said Air Vanuatu doesn't have pilots and engineers for the A220s and there is no hangar space for such planes.

Mr Path said Air Vanuatu is in a serious financial situation and buying the A220s would worsen its position.

Vanuatu announced ambitious growth plans in 2019, with plans to buy four aircraft from Bombardier, with the option for another four.

The company paid a deposit of $US17.5 million dollars.

PM’s Office confirms Air Vanuatu Board served termination letters

A Council of Ministers meeting on 11 March authorized the termination over concerns about the deteriorating financial situation of the national airline.

The COM has also directed the Director Generals of the four Shareholder ministries namely Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Infrastructure & Public Utilities (MIPU), Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (MOFEM) & Ministry of Trade & Tourism to take control of the Board’s roles and functions with close direction and guidance of the Shareholders for 12 months.

Government takes control of Air Vanuatu after sacking its board

“The situation of the airline is very, very critical, that’s why we took this decision,” Finance Minister Johnny Koanapo, said in an interview with Buzz FM Radio.

He said the country’s Council of Ministers on March 11 had terminated the tenure of the board with immediate effect following a decision last month by the state-owned airline’s shareholder representatives, which included the Prime Minister's office, and the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Public Utilities, and Tourism.

New Caledonia delays Vanuatu plane departure over debt

The plane, which had just delivered more than 100 ni-Vanuatu university students to New Caledonia, was held up for an hour before being allowed to return to Port Vila.

The Chief Executive of Air Vanuatu, Atu Finau, said there had been outstanding bills for ground handling at Tontouta International Airport.

He wouldn't say how much was involved but he did say the arrears extended back more than two years.

Finau said the airline had now reached an agreement with civil aviation in New Caledonia to settle the debt.

   

Air Vanuatu receives funding boost from Govt

The Minister of Finance, Johnny Koanapo, presented a motion seeking the approval of the parliament for a guarantee for the airline, and it was unanimously approved.

Parliament was told the national carrier had its ATR72 aircraft still grounded in Australia and a Twin Otter in the same situation at Bauerfield.

RNZ Pacific reports the airline also had outstanding debt for landing fees in Sydney.

Koanapo said the guarantee would also help Air Vanuatu pay the outstanding cost of the lease for its 737-800 and a second ATR.

Air Vanuatu passenger services out of Vila suspended

A statement from the airline said the directive is in place while a risk assessment, contact tracing and further testing is carried out.

“Air Vanuatu will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with NDMO/CAAV until such time when we are granted approval to resume passenger services in and out of Port Vila.”

“In the interim Air Vanuatu is working on a revised operating schedule and plans to operate a freighter service to Santo and Tanna which will then be positioned to operate passenger services in the Northern and Southern provinces,” the airline said.

Vanuatu govt to launch inquiry into Air Vanuatu aircraft purchases

Finance minister Johnny Koanapo said the previous board committed to buy four A220s without considering the implications for taxpayers, who own the airline.

He told the Vanuatu Daily Post the new government has decided to only buy two of the aircraft, as it focuses mostly on domestic travel.

Vanuatu's borders have been closed to international travel since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March.

     

Air Vanuatu outbound repatriations still on schedule

The announcement comes after its inbound repatriation services, which were supposed to start yesterday, were cancelled.

The delay was forced by the National Disaster Management Office which is in the process of checking the airline's compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.

Air Vanuatu's outbound service today to New Caledonia will leave at midday as scheduled.

The flight is carrying passengers from Europe who will catch a connecting flight from Noumea to Japan from where they will fly to their respective home countries.

Air Vanuatu defers international repatriation flights

The airline made the decision after receiving information yesterday afternoon that any repatriation efforts will be coordinated through the COVID-19 advisory group.

Based on a meeting held by the National Disaster Advisory Committee on Monday, 10 August, the office of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) has indicated that all repatriation flights will be coordinated with Air Vanuatu once all Phase Two repatriation procedures are in place.

Air Vanuatu announces repatriation flights schedule

The airline has announced its international flight schedule to support the Government’s second repatriation phase of Vanuatu nationals and permanent residents.

“We are pleased to work with the Government of Vanuatu and other relevant agencies such as NDMO, the Vanuatu Public Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic partners to offer these much-needed flights,” said Joseph Laloyer, Air Vanuatu Acting Chief Executive Officer.