News

29 July 2018

Air Vanuatu management is continuing to work closely with authorities to investigate the runway excursion of one of their ATR-72 aircraft yesterday (Saturday) at Bauerfield airport in Port Vila. The airport was temporarily closed after the incident, opening within the hour.

The excursion resulted in no injuries to the 39 passengers and four crew.

Air Vanuatu flights are continuing to operate according to schedule.

All passengers and crew were reviewed by medical personnel after the incident and comforted by Air Vanuatu staff, including CEO Derek Nice.

“We are very grateful to our fantastic crew of two pilots and two flight attendants whose actions ensured no injuries to passengers. Whilst the experience was no doubt distressing for our passengers, we were pleased to receive their praise for the actions of our crew,” Mr. Nice said.

Air Vanuatu is co-operating fully with international investigators who arrived in Port Vila today (Sunday) to work with Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu to investigate the incident.

Media inquiries: Tiffany Carroll +678 7747153 tcarroll@airvanuatu.vu