Article from BTNews 11 MARCH 2019
A220 first for Air Vanuatu
Pacific island flag carrier Air Vanuatu has signed a firm order with Airbus for two Airbus A220s and two A220-300s.
It is the airline’s first order with Airbus and makes it launch customer for the A220 in the Pacific region.
Based at Bauerfield International Airport in the capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila, the company operates to 26 domestic airports and internationally to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia with a Boeing B737 and ATR 72 fleet.
CEO Derek Nice said: “The aircraft will be deployed on our current domestic and international routes, including our newly announced non-stop Vanuatu – Melbourne service, and will bolster plans to expand our network in the South Pacific.”
Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer added: “Air Vanuatu’s decision to place the Airbus A220 at the centre of its expansion plans will surely keep it one step ahead of the competition.
“With the A220, the airline is making a significant investment in advanced technology and passenger comfort, while demonstrating its respect for fuel efficiency and the environment.”
Scherer added: “The A220’s performance and range capabilities will enable Air Vanuatu to streamline its current operations and launch a growth plan that is a key pillar of Vanuatu’s economic development goals.”
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