The Vanuatu government is considering the acquisition of an ATR42 by 2030 to build up the domestic network of Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila), according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo, as reported by local newspaper Vanuatu Daily Post.

Speaking at the arrival of a new government-owned DHC-6-300 on January 21, Koanapo said the administration is looking to the larger turboprops to expand capacity in the long term. In the interim, the government has allocated VUV1.1 billion vatu (USD9.1 million) for the purchase of two incremental Twin Otters to support the flag carrier's "rebuilding" phase.

The first of these, YJ-AV15 (msn 481), arrived in Port Vila on January 21. Koanapo confirmed the second aircraft is scheduled for delivery in March. Both aircraft will be leased to Air Vanuatu, with the government expecting dividends in return, similar to its arrangement with the National Bank of Vanuatu.

Koanapo emphasised that the airline must be "rebuilt differently" following its past liquidation and past operational struggles. He warned that the "undisciplined past" with poor government oversight must not be repeated.

The new Twin Otter is the fourth of the type to join Air Vanuatu's active fleet. The carrier has been relying on its DHC-6-300s and wet-leased capacity to maintain inter-island connectivity while its sole ATR72-600 has remained parked since August 2025 due to maintenance issues.