Air Vanuatu announces additional Flights from Australia & New Zealand

22 April 2016:   Air Vanuatu has announced additional international flights will commence on 01 June due to strong demand and in support of the Vanuatu Tourism Office's tourism recovery marketing campaign.

"For the first time since Cyclone Pam, we will be operating six flights a week to and from Sydney to Port Vila, three flights a week to and from Brisbane and three flights a week to and from Auckland," chief executive officer Joseph Laloyer said.

The increased flights are in addition to Air Vanuatu and codeshare partner Fiji Airways' eight flights a week between Port Vila and Fiji and Air Vanuatu's four flights a week to Noumea.

"With an advertising campaign to commence shortly, we are anticipating strong growth for the second half of the year," Mr. Laloyer said.

Air Vanuatu has continued operations at a reduced schedule since Cyclone Pam but is confident the additional flights will see more tourists returning to Vanuatu this year.

"The effect of other airlines suspending services to Port Vila has also had an impact on Air Vanuatu due to sensational media coverage of the suspensions," Mr. Laloyer said.

"As the national carrier we were surprised and disappointed in their actions which have had a detrimental impact on the nation as a whole.

"Air Vanuatu would like to acknowledge the work of the government of Vanuatu to quickly complete emergency repairs at Bauerfield airport and look forward to increasing our services and commitment to Vanuatu."

Media inquiries:

Tiffany Carroll
+678 7747153
tcarroll@airvanuatu.vu