Vanuatu’s national airline, Air Vanuatu, is poised to resume international flights following a new agreement with aircraft manufacturer Airbus. This development comes after previous plans to procure four Airbus A220 aircraft were complicated by financial challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political issues, which led to the cancellation of the initial delivery of two planes.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat announced that talks with Airbus in France had successfully revived the deal. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, asserting that the government had not incurred any financial loss despite initial worries about USD 17 million in pre-delivery payments linked to the earlier cancelled contract. Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo led the negotiations with Airbus.
This agreement is seen as significant for Air Vanuatu, as it enables the airline to resume services to vital markets like Australia and New Zealand, which are home to many ni-Vanuatu working under regional labor agreements.
Previously, the Vanuatu government had assured that the USD 20 million designated for the Airbus acquisition remained secure and would be accessible once domestic air service issues were resolved. The government’s recent proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to stabilizing Air Vanuatu and promoting efficient air travel in the region.
The move to restore international flights is expected to bolster tourism and economic growth in Vanuatu, creating a more connected and prosperous future for the island nation. Strengthening air connectivity is crucial for Vanuatu, particularly as it continues to recover from previous economic pressures and natural disasters.
With the renewed partnership with Airbus, there is a hopeful outlook for the revitalization of the aviation sector in Vanuatu, signaling a positive turnaround for the airline’s operations and overall growth for the nation’s economy.
Leave a comment