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Air Vanuatu is reportedly on the brink of collapse, with all international flights cancelled through at least Sunday.
In a statement, Vanuatu’s flag carrier said the country’s government is considering putting the airline into voluntary administration, with Ernst & Young called in to offer advice. Air Vanuatu codeshares with Qantas on services between the island nation and Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“The international firm Ernst & Young has been appointed to assist the Vanuatu Government in reviewing available options and put forward recommendations to the Vanuatu Government,” the airline said.
“Ernst & Young representatives arrived in Port Vila today to begin an assessment of Air Vanuatu’s financials and are being assisted by the Vanuatu Government and the Air Vanuatu team.
“Air Vanuatu has confirmed all international flights from Thursday 9 May 2024 through Sunday 12 May 2024 inclusive, are cancelled. All future flights after Sunday 12 May 2024 are currently under review.”
The airline says it will continually update its Vanuatu Travel Advisory page as the situation evolves.
“Whilst the assessment is ongoing, further commentary and updates will be provided by Air Vanuatu, until an outcome result has been finalised,” it said.
Air Vanuatu codeshares with Qantas on daily flights from Sydney to Port Vila, four flights per week from Brisbane to Port Vila, and three flights per week from Melbourne to Port Vila, as well as weekly services from Brisbane to Santo operated for Air Vanuatu by Solomon Airlines.
The Flying Kangaroo is advising customers on affected codeshare flights to contact Qantas.
Air Vanuatu has been experiencing maintenance difficulties with its only jet aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, which has not flown since January. The airline also operates an ATR 72-600 for inter-island travel.
In a March statement, Air Vanuatu said it was leaning heavily on contracted Solomon Airlines flights and another 737 leased from Nauru Airlines.
“While the airline continues to operate over 70 per cent of its current scheduled international flights, it is doing so in a challenging environment, with the airline’s sole Boeing 737 aircraft still awaiting parts and one of the contracted Solomon Airlines A320s now also requiring engineering works,” the statement read.
“Air Vanuatu management confirm the airline is focusing on two major priorities: first, sourcing the required parts from as far afield as Europe, Asia and America to ensure the return of their aircraft to service, and secondly, continuing to operate their schedule with international flights operated mostly by partner aircraft and maintaining domestic schedules with their fleet.
“Globally there are many airlines affected by parts shortages and this is a major concern for the industry.”
The only other route available from Vanuatu to Australia is a Virgin Australia service from Port Vila to Brisbane that commenced last year, operating up to five direct services during the peak season and three in the off-peak.
Virgin Australia has been contacted for comment.
