Air Vanuatu

Air Vanuatu in New Caledonia in new codeshare

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.

     

Hard work paying off: Air Vanuatu CEO

“After Cyclone Pam we put a recovery plan in action that aimed to see the airline return to solid bookings, better codeshare agreements, new aircraft and an improved schedule back in 2015,” he said.

“Since then, we have worked very closely with the government, airport authority and the VTO to ensure we as a destination not only recovered, but exceeded previous growth.”

Mr. Laloyer said a number of factors had assisted in Air Vanuatu’s recovery since TC Pam.

Changes to international baggage allowances on some Air Vanuatu flights

The new baggage allowance for economy passengers increases from 23kg per person to 30kg per person.

According to a press release from the airline, business class passengers will now enjoy a 40kg baggage allowance to and from Australia and New Zealand.

Chief Executive Officer - Joseph Laloyer said the new allowances would streamline the baggage acceptance policy and are favourable compared to other airlines.

Excess baggage charges will apply for all baggage above the new allowances.

ACP wins Air Vanuatu contract

This comes into effect from 1st July 2017 where ACP will cover all sales, marketing, reservations, customer service and import functions for the Port Vila-based national flag carrier of the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu. 

Air Vanuatu offers on-line capacity on B737-800 passenger services that operate five times per week ex Sydney in addition to three flights per week from Brisbane to Port Vila, one of which operates via Espiritu Santo in northern Vanuatu. 

Air Vanuatu appoints new General Manager Commercial

Mr. Murdoch brings over 30 years airline experience to Air Vanuatu, including senior roles with Qantas, Air Niugini and Norfolk Air.

“Jeff is a very welcomed addition to the executive and will be responsible for sales and marketing, scheduling and industry relationships,” Mr. Laloyer said.

“We are delighted to have someone with his wealth of experience at a time when Air Vanuatu is continuing to complete our restructure and explores new codeshare agreements.”

Air Niugini, Air Vanuatu implement code share agreement

The first flight under this arrangement operated Tuesday. Air Vanuatu’s Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Laloyer welcomed the new codeshare services.

“Part of our strategic planning is building relationships with other carriers that enables Air Vanuatu to tap in to new markets and thus bring more traffic to Vanuatu,” Laloyer said.

Air Vanuatu explains new fare structure

The airline says several adjustments are planned and come after consultation with industry, codeshare partners and passengers. Key elements of the review include considering the introduction of advanced purchase discounts and business fares for domestic travel.

“Air Vanuatu provides services to all the provinces of Vanuatu and has for many years subsidised unprofitable routes to ensure the people of the outer islands are not disadvantaged,” chief executive officer Joseph Laloyer said.

First Ni-Vanuatu female pilot flies new Air Vanuatu aircraft

Marae's achievement marks history in Air Vanuatu’s 30 years of existence.

The airline took delivery of the new aircraft in November, 2016.

The ATR 72-600 operates within the domestic network as well as surrounding Pacific island countries of Fiji, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.

 

Photo by Facebook Air Vanuatu, First Officer Katura Marae 

     

Air Vanuatu starts ATR operations

 The airline already has two earlier-generation ATR 72-500s on strength and has operated the type since 2004.

The new aircraft, in a 70-seat configuration, will operate both domestic services in the Vanuatu archipelago 1,750km/945nm east of Australia, as well as to other islands in the region including Fiji, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.

The carrier said the aircraft’s 120-minute ETOPS certification “substantially increased” its operational versatility among the region’s widely spaced territories.

New Air Vanuatu aircraft arrives in Port Vila

The Twin Otter aircraft arrived into Port Vila to a fire salute from Air Vanuatu Limited's ARFFS crew.

Chief executive officer Joseph Laloyer had earlier announced that the aircraft will be on long-term lease from Capstone Aviation PTE Ltd.

The new aircraft is registered as YJ-AV12.

“The Twin Otter will be a welcomed addition to our domestic fleet and we plan to lease or purchase more of these aircraft before the end of the year,” Mr. Laloyer said.