Air Vanuatu takes delivery of new ATR-72 in France
Air Vanuatu media release 9th October: Air Vanuatu today accepted delivery of the new ATR 72-500 valued at US $ 20.5 million. The aircraft, configured with 68 seats and powered by PW 127M engines, will enable the airline to increase its domestic fleet passenger capacity and to respond to the traffic growth on regional routes. Acting Chief Executive Officer of Air Vanuatu, Joseph Laloyer said the ATR-72 was expected to arrive in Vila on Wednesday 14 October.
“With its arrival, Air Vanuatu will boast the youngest fleet in the South Pacific, not to mention the benefits of additional capacity to our trunk domestic and regional routes.” Once the ATR arrives in Vanuatu, it will undergo test flights and engineering checks in order to meet Civil Aviation Authority Vanuatu requirements. It is expected to commence commercial operations at the end of the month. Mr. Laloyer said the ATR-72 would operate to Santo, Tanna, Pentecost (during peak seasons), Fiji and New Caledonia. It will also be available for charter flights, including from Tanna to Noumea. Stéphane Mayer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said the company was delighted to deliver the new ATR aircraft to Air Vanuatu.
“This delivery symbolizes the success of our excellent relationship built on mutual trust and understanding. With the arrival of this new aircraft, Air Vanuatu is joining the club of the ATR ‘-500 series’ operators in the South Pacific, which are now operating a combined fleet of 7 ATR 42-500s and 21 ATR 72-500s,” he said. Mr. Laloyer thanked Air Vanuatu customers for their support of the new aircraft.
“We share the excitement growing in the islands for the new plane. We know how important the aircraft is to the continued growth of tourism and business in the outer islands and look forward to its arrival.” Mr. Laloyer said the airline has plans for welcoming ceremonies to be held in Vila, Santo and Tanna in the coming weeks.
Media inquiries: Tiffany Carroll Tel +678 7747153 or (61) 0417512233.