Air Vanuatu stalwart Richard Elliot retires

21 July 2015

With mixed emotions, Air Vanuatu chief executive Joseph Laloyer has announced the retirement of long serving NZ manager Richard Elliot.

"Richard has been with the company for 16 long years and is a familiar face to all of our New Zealand frequent flyers," Mr. Laloyer said.

"He has made a significant contribution to the airline, the effects of which will be felt for many years."

Mr. Laloyer said Jonas George from Vanuatu would replace Mr. Elliot from 07 August 2015.

"It is a watershed moment for Air Vanuatu that we have a Ni-Vanuatu country manager and I am very proud of Jonas' appointment."

Mr. George has been with Air Vanuatu for 18 years, the last five of which in a delegate role to learn from Mr. Elliot.

"We have every confidence in Jonas and look forward to continued growth in the New Zealand market," Mr. Laloyer said.

Mr. Elliot said he would be leaving a very loyal, successful team in Auckland.

"I have only overseen two staff replacements in the past 16 years. My retirement brings down the curtain on 46 years in the airline and travel industry (Pan Am, Continental Airlines, and Air Vanuatu) and I have always strived to make a meaningful contribution along the way.  

"I leave with much satisfaction and I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me. My wife Beth has been hugely supportive and has been actively involved in many aspects of my job.  Air Vanuatu has been in NZ since 1989 and I know it will be here for many decades to come. I leave it in good heart."

Media Enquiries

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