Air Vanuatu orders brand new Boeing 737-800

31 July 2015

The new year will bring a new aircraft for Air Vanuatu with an announcement the national carrier has ordered a brand new Boeing 737-800.

The new aircraft will be fitted with the latest Sky interior design which includes noticeably larger, more rounded overhead lockers (carrying 50% more hand luggage) and curved ceiling panels with LED lighting.

Chairman of the Air Vanuatu Board of Directors Johnson Naviti Marakipule said Air Vanuatu had in recent years ensured their fleet was the youngest in the region, and this aircraft upgrade was in line with forward planning requirements.

"Our current Boeing 737-800 has served us well but it is time for a newer, more cost efficient aircraft," he said.

The new aircraft is on order with Air Lease Corporation and expected to arrive in Port Vila in January 2016.

Chief Executive Officer Joseph Laloyer said the airline was also looking to upgrade its ATR72 fleet within the next 12-24 months.

"We will in time be consolidating our domestic fleet in line with current and future requirements. This will include upgrading to a new ATR72-600," the CEO said.

The ATR72-600 has noticeable improvements on Air Vanuatu's current ATRs including better passenger comfort with lighter seats and more overhead locker space.

Details of the new Boeing 737-800's livery and cabin interior will be released shortly.

"We're all really excited about this new aircraft. Not only will it offer a better passenger experience, it will also reduce our overheads as well," Mr. Laloyer said.

Media Enquiries

Tiffany Carroll
+678 7747153  (Vanuatu)
+61417512233 (Australia)
tcarroll@airvanuatu.vu