Air Vanuatu has placed on hold the delivery of two new Airbus A220 aircraft expected later this year as part of the airline’s ‘New Era, New Look’ strategy.

Air Vanuatu this week welcomed the first visit of the Airbus A220 ahead of the aircraft joining the airline’s fleet in June 2020. Air Vanuatu is the launch customer in the South Pacific region for the A220, the most advanced airliner in its class, featuring new manufacturing technologies, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions, lower operating costs and a more attractive passenger cabin.

Air Vanuatu and the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) have had a big week toasting the launch of their new direct, thrice-weekly, flight connecting Melbourne and Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, with the official inaugural flight touching down on Thursday, 20 June.

Air Vanuatu has signed a firm order with Airbus for four Airbus A220 aircraft. Air Vanuatu’s first ever order with Airbus makes it the launch operator of the A220 in the Pacific region. The order includes two A220-100 series aircraft with 108 seats and two A220-300 series aircraft with 133 seats.

Air Vanuatu has confirmed plans to recommence non-stop services between Melbourne and Port Vila, Vanuatu, subject to regulatory and government approval. Commencing 18 June, 2019, the thrice weekly flight will be operated using Air Vanuatu’s Boeing 737-800 and will be the only direct service between the two cities. Tickets are on sale now, offering onward connections from Port Vila to 28 destinations across the country.