It’s coming: The ATR-72 expected by October

10 August 2009 Air Vanuatu media release: Air Vanuatu’s acting Chief Executive Officer Dimitri Politis has confirmed the national carrier will shortly be taking delivery of a brand new ATR-72 aircraft. The new aircraft will enable more capacity from Tanna and Santo to Vila as well as regional international flights to Fiji and Noumea. “We are very excited about the arrival of the new aircraft. It will help with increased traffic to the islands, particularly Tanna, Santo and Pentecost,” Mr. Politis said. The airline is currently preparing the schedule for the ATR and is looking at international connections for Santo and Tanna, the acting CEO said. “The domestic market has grown significantly, at times it has been difficult to keep up with demand. “Upgrading from the ATR-42 to the 72 will enable an additional 320 passengers a week to fly from Vila to Santo and at least 180 more to Tanna,” Mr. Politis said. Business and tourism groups throughout the country have welcomed confirmation of delivery of the ATR-72. “It is really great news,” Wrecks to Rainforests’ Mayumi Green said. “We have seen the tourism market grow significantly in Santo, with interest from all over the world. The new plane will make it even easier to fly here.” Santo commercial businesses said the increase in freight capacity was also welcomed. The aircraft will significantly help with freight from Vila to Santo. It’s great news for business. The ATR-42 is being returned at the end of this month, its final flight in Vanuatu will be 21 August. Mr. Politis acknowledged there would be some disruption to regular domestic schedules until the new aircraft was commissioned but said with the existing fleet of three Y12s, two Twin Otters and Islander aircraft, passenger and freight inconvenience would be minimised. “Our team will be taking technical delivery of the ATR-72 in France in September, which will be followed by regulatory approval over the next few weeks. This includes proving flights in Vanuatu, pilot training and finally CAAV approval before we can commence commercial services.” Mr. Politis said the new aircraft was a milestone in the history of Air Vanuatu. “We’re really proud of this aircraft – proud that we have grown the local and regional market to the point where the demand for bigger planes is overwhelming. It is an exciting time at the airline and we’re all working hard to ensure we continue to build and improve our service.”
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