Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila) is considering adding a second ATR72-600 to improve the reliability of its domestic network, the airline said in a press release on October 1, 2026.
The carrier said relying on a single ATR72-600 leaves its two busiest domestic routes, Port Vila to Espiritu Santo and Tanna, vulnerable to maintenance-related disruptions. Its only ATR72-600, YJ-AV73 (msn 1358), is undergoing scheduled heavy maintenance at Jakarta Pondok Cabe from October 3 to November 5, which has reduced flights to both destinations.
To maintain capacity between Port Vila and Espiritu Santo, Air Vanuatu has arranged additional flights operated by Solomons - Solomon Airlines with an A320-200, though it did not disclose the nature of the arrangement. Tanna, by contrast, continues to be served by the airline's DHC-6-300s.
The ATR72-600 returned to service in March 2026 after a seven-month grounding caused by engine maintenance issues.
Meanwhile, the carrier expects to take delivery of its fifth DHC-6-300 in October, after missing earlier targets of March and July. The aircraft, which the airline identified as YJ-AV16 (msn unknown), is undergoing final preparations in the United States.
The incoming Twin Otter is the second of two aircraft acquired by the Vanuatu government and leased to the airline. The first, YJ-AV15 (msn 481), arrived in January 2026, bringing the DHC-6-300 fleet to four aircraft, as ch-aviation previously reported.
The government has also previously said it is considering acquiring an ATR42 by 2030 to expand domestic capacity. Air Vanuatu, which has been rebuilding its operations since its liquidation in 2024, is also pursuing interline and codeshare agreements with airlines in New Caledonia and Fiji as part of its longer-term strategy to restore regional connectivity.
