Air Vanuatu goes into liquidation

[AIRwin]

Air Vanuatu Board Dissolved: Lew

Vanuatu Daily Post has been informed yesterday afternoon by Alain Lew, Chairman of the Air Vanuatu Board, that the Air Vanuatu Board no longer exists since the appointment of an

www.dailypost.vu

 

[pjm99au]

Such a shame. Wonderful people and a wonderful place to visit which has never been able to reach its potential due to the unreliable air services.

 

[Mattg]

Sad news. This was a Qantas partner airline too.

I was always hesitant to book with them, though, because they only had one jet and it was often out of service with maintenance issues. Whenever this happened, the airline basically couldn't function as a reliable operation.

I wonder if VA might now add more flights to VLI, or perhaps QF/JQ/NZ might enter the market.

 

[Saab34]

They must have had some issues with the engineering as the one jet they had went in for engineering in Melbourne but never came out. Reports around advised considerable and costly work required, unverified.

I guess whatever services they offer could be picked up by QF or VA.

 

[henrus]

Sad news. This was a Qantas partner airline too.

The Qantas partnership was rather useless. Fares on a QF number were often double, reward seats were limited (or basically non existent) and earning on NF flight numbers limited to points only (and only on the more expensive fares). Sure QF status holders got lounge access in Australia but that’s is where the benefits ended, there was no priority services and no lounge in Vila (despite one accessible to business class).

 

[Sprucegoose]

Qantas reportedly are not helping pax affected on QF tickets as per today's press.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Air Vanuatu - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

abc.net.au Flights cancelled, Australians stranded as government considers putting Air Vanuatu in voluntary administration

These small South Pacific countries_islands do not the people or resources or money to operate an airline. Even a lonely old B737 or a bunch of small props aircraft takes a lot cash to keep flying. And at times the island government~politicians~bureaucracy treat the aircraft as private aircraft.

If all these islands had *one* airline that flew to all would help a little. But too many locals want personal *flag* carrier airline (local pride).

 

[Saab34]

Qantas reportedly are not helping pax affected on QF tickets as per today's press.

But free for all for thousands of Bonza pax?

Obviously propping up International pax is much more costly I understand , but at least they could have looked after QF ticketed.

It’s international so they will want government handouts for this one, just you watch.

 

[Mwenenzi]

But free for all for thousands of Bonza pax?
Obviously propping up International pax is much more costly I understand , but at least they could have looked after QF ticketed.
It’s international so they will want government handouts for this one, just you watch.

What free flights are VA offering? Or FJ?

Bauerfield International Airport - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

A map from the Great Circle Mapper

A map from the Great Circle Mapper

www.gcmap.com

Post automatically merged: May 9, 2024

Qantas reportedly are not helping pax affected on QF tickets as per today's press.

 

[henrus]

Qantas reportedly are not helping pax affected on QF tickets as per today's press.

They are offering a credit or refund as per this advice:

https://www.qantas.com/agencyconnect/au/en/agency-news/agency-news-may-24/commercial-and-reward-bookings-policy-for-customers-impacted-by-air-vanuatu-suspension.html

Short of rebooking onto other services (VA, IE, SB or FJ) there isn’t much more they could offer.

It’s also worth noting that at least those who booked via QF get a refund. Those who’ve booked direct are out of luck.

 

[drron]

Just looked at VA. First available service to BNE is 31/5 at a cost of $1150 in Y. No J availability.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Sad news. This was a Qantas partner airline too.

I was always hesitant to book with them, though, because they only had one jet and it was often out of service with maintenance issues. Whenever this happened, the airline basically couldn't function as a reliable operation.

Agree @Mattg
In December looking for June/ September albeit reasonably priced J, the lack of planes and frequency of cancellations had us rethink our plans.
It is a shame

 

[jase05]

If all these islands had *one* airline that flew to all would help a little. But too many locals want personal *flag* carrier airline (local pride).

I’ve often wondered if a setup similar to SAS would work where several of the Pacific islands get together and form an airline that services the region

 

[AIRwin]

I’ve often wondered if a setup similar to SAS would work where several of the Pacific islands get together and form an airline that services the region

A new Air Pacific or Pacific Airlines

 

[henrus]

I’ve often wondered if a setup similar to SAS would work where several of the Pacific islands get together and form an airline that services the region

I don't think it worked for SAS either. The airline is currently in US Chapter 11 bankruptcy to exit in mid this year when the AF/KL group buys them.

 

[Saab34]

What about Virgin Vanuatu?

Remember this…

 

[Sprucegoose]

A new Air Pacific or Pacific Airlines

Compass?

 

[drron]

Compass?

that sounds like a bonza name.

 

[jase05]

I don't think it worked for SAS either. The airline is currently in US Chapter 11 bankruptcy to exit in mid this year when the AF/KL group buys them.

They went alright for the best part of 60 years but obviously made some mistakes to lead them to where they are now. I was more using it as an example though of countries putting national pride aside and working for the good of the region

 

[Scarlett]

A new Air Pacific or Pacific Airlines

Indeed. Or Polynesian.

The Australian government really should be considering the soft power implications of supporting or subsidising an Australian airline flying regular services to and between the south west pacific nations. Even a JQ Pacific in the SWP that really committed to the smaller nations, would be a highly visible and tangible extension of Australian friendship.