Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL) said it is proud to work closely with the nominated ground handling organisations and relevant agencies to facilitate arrivals and departures formalities of international flights bringing relief aids for TC Harold.
According to AVL, “International scheduled air services continue to be suspended by our airline partners and restrictions continue to be applied by the Vanuatu Government on international air operations into Vanuatu, as a result of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
“Only special international charter, medivac, and technical stop flight applications are currently being considered and approved (or denied) by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), during our active COVID-19 and TC Harold National State of Emergency.
‘We have been working closely with Vanuatu Terminal Services Limited (VTS) as ground handlers (and other relevant government agencies such as Customs and Biosecurity) to facilitate international charter flight movements approved by the NDMO” AVL stated.
Last weekend the AVL facilitated a Royal New Zealand Defense Force C130 Hercules flight at Port Vila Airport for the purposes of dropping off TC Harold relief supplies donated by New Zealand and the repatriation of New Zealanders back to their home country.
On the same day, AVL also facilitated a private A320 charter flight at Port Vila Airport for the purpose of dropping off COVID-19 critical medical equipment and supplies donated by China. The aircraft arrived and cargo was unloaded on the following day prior to departure.
“We continue to prioritize the health and welfare of our staff during the COVID-19 crisis. All AVL and VTS frontline staff whom have come into close or direct contact with international cargo and aircrew, have continued to be fully equipped in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), applied additional precautionary measures, and adhered to strict handling procedures.
Domestic air services are unrestricted. Air Vanuatu have resumed scheduled domestic air services and our other domestic airline partners continue their charter operations.
Photo supplied Caption: AVL ground handling staff in full protective gear at Bauerfield international Airport