Air Vanuatu brings back its once-weekly Brisbane–Luganville return flights that directly connect Australia to Vanuatu’s largest island Espiritu Santo in just 2.5 hours, celebrating with a launch trade and media event and Brisbane Airport activation.
The reinstated service departed Brisbane Airport at 10:30am today with Air Vanuatu passengers treated to a pop-up activation that included cupcakes, ni-Vanuatu music and photo opps.
The service sees an increase in total air capacity from Australia to Vanuatu and cuts travel time to Espiritu Santo by 2.5 hours for Aussies, who previously connected through Port Vila.
Additionally, the mid-morning departure time allows for easy connectivity within Australia and the arrival time enables seamless connections beyond Luganville to northern islands such as Malekula, Ambrym, Pentecost, Ambae, Banks and Torres Islands.
Solomon Airlines will operate the flights on behalf of Air Vanuatu with departures every Thursday.
Air Vanuatu Acting CEO Joseph Laloyer said the airline recognised its strong partnerships with the Vanuatu Government, as shareholders of Air Vanuatu, Vanuatu Tourism Office and Brisbane Airport.
“This service represents our commitment to ensuring connectivity for our guests as well as to Santo, its residents and the entire tourism industry in Vanuatu’s north,” Mr Laloyer said.
“We have seen strong interest from Australians looking to enjoy a few days of ni-Vanuatu hospitality in Santo and beyond.
“Air Vanuatu would like to thank its valued partners for their assistance in helping this service take off and looks forward to welcoming travellers on board with its signature warm Pacific welcome.”
Brisbane Airport Corporation’s CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff added that the Queensland capital is ideally located and connected for Australians to explore Vanuatu.
“As the only international airport with flights to Santo, Brisbane will be the world’s gateway for tourists on their way to this South Pacific haven,” Mr de Graaff said.
“We look forward to Queenslanders discovering Santo, a little slice of international paradise, which is less than three hours’ flying time away.”
For more info, head to airvanuatu.com
