Qantas to start Brisbane-Port Vila flights on September 10
September 10, 2024 4:11 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris
Qantas’ first direct flights from Australia to Port Vila will commence on Tuesday, the 10th of this month.
The Acting Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV), Mr. Wilfred Makaba, informed the Vanuatu Daily Post that CAAV has approved their Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) following their application.
“We have issued their certificate, which allows them to operate flights to Vanuatu, and we have received their schedule, which indicates they will start on the 10th of this month. They will be flying directly to Vanuatu from Brisbane every Tuesday and Sunday,” he said.
“As for Jetstar, we have received their FAOC application, but we are still processing it. They plan to begin services to Vanuatu once the paperwork is approved, with a projected start date of November 30.”
Meanwhile, the Daily Post was informed of an important development regarding the Qantas Group’s approval to operate flights in and out of Vanuatu. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Qantas Group has only been granted approval for a limited period—specifically for the months of September and October by CAAV.
This raised questions as to whether the new, unidentified investors of AV3 are influencing decisions to limit competition. CAAV responded to these allegations, clarifying that there is no external influence to restrict competition. They stated that Qantas and Jetstar are sister airlines, and Qantas will indeed start servicing Vanuatu on the 10th of this month, continuing as planned.
“Qantas’ approval is for direct flights between Brisbane and Port Vila, while Jetstar is planning direct flights from Sydney to Port Vila. Once they commence operations, they will provide continuous service to Vanuatu,” Mr. Makaba explained.
“It may be true that Qantas will only fly for the next two months, but that decision is theirs. When we approve the FAOC, it is for a 12-month period, renewable after that. It is not limited to just the next two months.”
He added that the only aspect requiring monthly renewal is the flight schedule for all airlines, which is reviewed for safety and compliance, air traffic control coordination, operational changes, slot management, public interest, and consumer protection.
