Aircalin

The deal provides for six flights a week between Port Vila and Noumea, with Air Vanuatu flying four times a week and Aircalin twice.

RNZI reports the two airlines hope to boost business by offering better options to connect to other flights, such as domestic flights in Vanuatu to Tanna and Santo.

The route is serviced by turbo-prop planes.

This follows last week's decision by Air New Zealand and Qantas to suspend flights to Port Vila amid concern over a lack of safety with the runway.

In a statement, the FLNKS says it wants the territory's international airline, Aircalin, to show discernment and keep the flights.