Spread the love
Post Views: 3

Air Vanuatu, Vanuatu’s national carrier, today commenced its new non-stop service between Melbourne and Port Vila, Vanuatu, with the inaugural flight touching down in the South Pacific capital at 12.30pm local time.

The direct route marks a new era in travel for Air Vanuatu, expanding the airline’s offering in Australia and bringing the South Pacific nation closer to Melburnians.

The new non-stop route will be the only direct service between the two cities

Managing Director and CEO of Air Vanuatu Derek Nice is thrilled to see the new service in operation and looks forward to providing greater ease of access between the two cities.

“Vanuatu is now just one short flight away for Melburnians. We are delighted to connect Australia and our island paradise in an even greater capacity and allow travellers more time to explore the wonders of Vanuatu,” said Mr Nice.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation David Hall said he was thrilled to add another city to Melbourne Airport’s network.
“Vanuatu is a popular holiday destination so it’s great to add a service that makes travel to the Pacific islands easy and more affordable,” said Mr Hall.

“The service is a big win for Victorian travellers as well as holidaymakers in Tasmania and Adelaide who use Melbourne as a hub to reach overseas destinations.”

Air Vanuatu’s Boeing 737-800 is flying the route, providing eight business class seats and 162 economy seats. The aircraft will depart Melbourne at 07.00 (local time) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Port Vila at 12.30 (local time) with a flight time of just over four hours.

Port Vila is a hub for greater Vanuatu, with Air Vanuatu providing onward connections to 28 destinations across the island archipelago.

The return leg from Port Vila will depart at 16.15 (local time) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving in Melbourne at 20.15 (local time), with a flight time of just over five hours. Flight times are subject to change.

Air Vanuatu’s business class passengers also have access to luxury Melbourne Airport lounge The House, after the airline announced a new partnership in May 2019. Premium passengers travelling to Port Vila have access to a-la-carte dining, full waiter service, an extensive wine list, showers and stunning airport views ahead of their flight.