CIIP money used for Airbus purchase safe: Gov’t
March 31, 2025 9:58 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris.
The Government has received assurances that funds paid to Airbus for the purchase of A220 aircraft are safe and will be returned once the domestic service of Air Vanuatu is resolved to improve connectivity.
This comes after the Daily Post received information revealing that funds raised under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) were used to finance the acquisition of Airbus aircraft for Air Vanuatu. A total of USD 20 million was reportedly paid directly to Airbus for the planned acquisition of up to four Airbus A220 aircraft as part of the airline’s fleet expansion.
Government Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kiery Manassah responded to the Daily Post’s inquiry, stating that the funds remain with Airbus and will be recovered once the government finalises its plans for domestic air services.
“The good thing is the money is safe. We will provide more updates on the direction the Government wishes to take and how it intends to use the funds once everything is sorted from the domestic front,” Manassah said.
The assurance follows the Prime Minister’s call for an investigation into the handling of funds raised under the CIIP. Sources have advised that the money was allegedly used to finance the purchase of Airbus aircraft for Air Vanuatu.
“USD 20 million was (allegedly) paid directly to Airbus for the planned acquisition of up to four Airbus A220 aircraft as part of Air Vanuatu’s fleet modernisation strategy,” an informant said.
“The payment was intended to strengthen the airline’s international and domestic operations and improve connectivity around the region, until the former AVOL Board, led by Chairman Sam Firi and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atu Finau, (allegedly) cancelled the order.”
The informant further stated that the funds are still held by Airbus, who have allegedly refused to reassign the money until a stable government is in place or a credible aviation organisation is appointed to oversee and manage the aircraft project.
“So, what could be a realistic solution? One option suggested is for a reputable and professionally managed carrier, such as Fiji Airways, to take over the aircraft project, providing the stability and credibility required for Airbus to release the money,” the informant added.
It was also suggested that with the offer of a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-funded domestic operation for six months, set to be operated by Fiji Airways, this approach appears both practical and timely. A potential long-term brand could operate under the working title VanuatuLink, serving as a dedicated domestic airline to support connectivity across the islands.
