Virgin Australia and Solomon Airlines have determined that the condition of Port Vila’s international runway is safe enough to continue operations.
The airlines said in separate statements that individual reviews have concluded that for the time being it is still safe enough for passengers and crew to fly safely to and from Bauerfield International Airport, Port Vila.
Their decision came after Air New Zealand suspended services to the destination and Qantas ceased its codeshare agreement with Air Vanuatu on flights from Port Vila to Brisbane and Sydney.
Virgin Australia said with extra precautions in place the airline feels there is no risk to passengers, crew or aircraft.
Among the extra precautions set up by the Vanuatu government include a daily ‘sweeping’ of the runway, regular inspections to and after takeoff, new obstacle and runway surveys plus a clear marking where the runway requires repairs.
“We continue to monitor the condition of the runway and Virgin Australia will immediately cease all operations between Australia and Port Vila if we are not convinced that the runway is suitable for ongoing operations.”
Virgin Australia
“Safety is always our number one priority and Virgin Australia would never put its passengers, crew or aircraft at risk.”
According to Solomon Airlines’ General Manager of Operations and Commercial, Gus Kraus, the airline is working closely with Melanesian aviation colleagues and its codeshare partner and will take “appropriate action” if “for any reason the situation changes”.
The carrier has also urged Port Vila’s authorities to take the “necessary” steps to upgrade the runway and ensure all “airlines resume operations for the better of the Vanuatu people”.
“Our conclusion is that the runway is safe and we will continue to maintain operations with our flagship Airbus A320 into and out of the airport on its normal weekly schedule.”
Gus Kraus, Solomon Airlines General Manager of Operations and Commercial
Fiji Airways also continues to operate services to the destination along with Aircalin and Air Vanautu.
