The government of Vanuatu is considering acquiring an Airbus or Boeing aircraft by 2030 to support the eventual resumption of international jet operations by Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila), deputy prime minister and finance minister Johnny Koanapo said.
Speaking at the arrival ceremony of the flag carrier's fifth DHC-6-300, N660FB (msn 472), on October 26, 2026, Koanapo said the government was committed to owning an aircraft capable of operating international routes, according to local media reports.
Air Vanuatu continues to rebuild its fleet following its 2024 liquidation, which also saw the loss of its sole B737-800, then registered YJ-AV8 (msn 42052). The airline has since concentrated on domestic services using DHC-6-300s and a single ATR72-600. The turboprop, YJ-AV73 (msn 1358), was reactivated in March 2026 after a seven-month grounding, and is now out of service again from October 3 to November 5 due to separate maintenance issues.
The carrier recently issued a request for proposals to acquire a second ATR72-600, seeking delivery between December 2026 and March 2027. The airline is seeking a pre-owned aircraft manufactured in 2015 or later, with proposals due by November 2, 2026. The additional turboprop would support services between Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna, alongside a planned regional network expansion from 2027.
As previously reported by ch-aviation, the Vanuatu government is looking to purchase further DHC-6-300s and an ATR42 to expand domestic operations.
