FLEET - Gov't eyes more Twin Otters and ATRs for Air Vanuatu

The government of Vanuatu is considering acquiring more DHC-6-300s and ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops for Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila) as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild the flag carrier's domestic operations following its liquidation in 2024.

In its 2026 budget speech, the government said it was preparing discussions to acquire two additional Twin Otters and an ATR42 series turboprop, beyond the two DHC-6-300s it had already purchased.

Deputy prime minister and finance minister, Johnny Koanapo, said in January 2026 that the government was considering acquiring another Twin Otter and an ATR42 by 2030 to expand domestic capacity. Separately, Air Vanuatu is evaluating a second ATR72-600 to improve reliability on its busiest domestic routes.

Meanwhile, the second of the two government-purchased DHC-6-300s, currently registered N660FB (msn 472), is being ferried from Fort Pierce International to Vanuatu following several delays. The Prime Minister's Office said the aircraft had completed the required tests and received clearance from the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Air Vanuatu chairman, Robin Deamer, expects the aircraft, previously identified as YJ-AV16, to arrive in late October. Aged 51.2 years, it will enter domestic service once local regulatory approvals have been obtained.

The aircraft was originally expected in March 2026, before its delivery was postponed until July and subsequently October. It will become Air Vanuatu's fifth DHC-6-300, joining four aircraft of the type and a single ATR72-600.

CH Aviation / Photo: Air Vanuatu