Air Vanuatu is to add four new aircraft to its fleet – four Airbus A220 family aircraft.
The airline will add two A220-100s and two A220-300s to its fleet. It marks the first order of the A220 family in the Pacific region.
Air Vanuatu Airbus A220-100 – Rendering, Airbus.
Air Vanuatu Airbus A220-300 – Rendering, Airbus.
The airline currently operates to 26 airports from its base at Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila. It operates to 26 domestic and international destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia.
Currently, the airline is an operator of a Boeing 737-800, two ATR 72 aircraft and three Twin Otters.
In quotes
Air Vanuatu Chief Executive Officer Derek Nice said
“We are proud to be the launch airline in the South Pacific of the best-in-class Airbus A220. These aircraft will be deployed to operate on our current domestic and international routes, including our newly announced non-stop Melbourne-Vanuatu service, and will bolster plans to expand our network in the South Pacific.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer also said
“By ordering the A220 Air Vanuatu is making a significant investment in advanced technology and superior passenger comfort, while demonstrating its respect for fuel efficiency and the environment. Air Vanuatu’s decision to place the Airbus A220 at the centre of its expansion plans will surely keep it one step ahead of the competition”
A step change
Whilst the Air Vanuatu, order isn’t the largest that Airbus will get for the A220 family, it does show there is still growth for the type – in both of its sizes.
For Air Vanautu the aircraft adding both types will add new capacity, as well as the range possibilities the type offers.
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I fly to Vanuatu about four times a year and I am looking forward to the new planes. Their lone 737 is fairly new and it has been fine to fly.
It will be interesting to see if they use the planes to add some new gateways to the country as it can be time consuming to get there. I have connected to Vanuatu through Fiji, New Zealand, and Brisbane and Sydney in Australia. There is also a flight from New Caledonia.
The airport in Port VIla is being upgraded and there is chatter it will be widebody compatible with possible flights from China.
I go to Tanna Island which has the world’s most active volcano. Worth a visit!
I second the recommendation to visit Tanna Island and the volcano there. It is also home to the John Frum cult. Espiritu Santo Island has the largest accessible wreck in the world, the SS. Coolidge. A lot of unbelievable things to do in this wonderful country. Be sure to try the kava!