‘We definitely see more potential for New Zealand and we have plans for Christchurch. We don’t have dates yet, but watch this space,’ he says.
‘Wellington is on the radar too but Christchurch will be first off the block.’
The just announced fourth flight will be operated by Solomon Airlines on behalf of Air Vanuatu and departing VLI-AKL on Thursday at 3.15pm returning AKL-VLI on Friday at 12pm.
The announcement comes months after the carrier revealed the addition (also in partnership with Solomon Islands) of its Monday/Tuesday AKL/VLI service and will boost the carrier’s roster to boast 1,280 seats per week or 66,560 seats per year.
‘This gives the New Zealand market a weekend get-away,’ says Wilson. ‘Travellers can arrive on a Friday afternoon and return Monday.’
Wilson says the schedule offers good connections to the South Island and regional New Zealand. ‘The regional New Zealand connectivity is important to us.’
He says the new flights also further open up the the dual destination option of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands – with the latter showing some traction out of New Zealand
Air Vanuatu acting CEO, Joseph Laloyer says the schedule updates are a testament to its partnership with Solomon Airlines and its commitments to connecting travellers throughout the South Pacific to Vanuatu.
