Air Vanuatu has added a fifth Twin Otter aircraft to its fleet, strengthening the national carrier’s capacity to provide domestic air services across the island nation.
Air Vanuatu chairman Captain Robin Deamer arrived at Bauerfield International Airport on Monday with the aircraft after an eight-day ferry flight from Florida in the United States.
The journey involved more than 60 hours of flying and stops at five international airports.
Deamer travelled to the United States with a Vanuatu engineer to bring the aircraft home and ensure the delivery flight met the airline’s operational standards.
The aircraft was rebuilt and acquired from U.S-based Aviation Management Sales in Fort Pierce, Florida, to meet Air Vanuatu’s requirements for short-field operations in the island country.
The arrival increases the airline’s fleet to five Twin Otter aircraft and is expected to support more reliable and frequent connections between Vanuatu’s islands.
The aircraft is the second Twin Otter fully owned by the Vanuatu Government, following the arrival of Vanua Endeavour in January.
Together, the two government-owned aircraft represent an investment of VT1.2 billion(US$US$10.2 million.
The Government said the investment reflected its commitment to aviation as a key part of domestic connectivity, public service delivery and tourism development.
In a further boost to the airline’s fleet renewal plans, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister has announced that the process to acquire Vanuatu’s second ATR72-600 aircraft has begun, with delivery targeted for next year.
The Government and Air Vanuatu’s board thanked the public for its patience and support as efforts continue to rebuild a stronger, nationally owned airline
