Communities speak out on revitalising domestic air routes

October 21, 2024 9:44 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Improving air connectivity in Santo

The Community Service Obligation (CSO) team completed its journey through Vanuatu’s remote provinces, concluding in Santo, SANMA Province, on October 17, 2024.

The team met with government officials and local representatives across several regions to hear directly from the communities about their aviation needs.

The goal of these consultations was simple: to ensure that future aviation investments are tailored to the needs of each region. In every province, from the most remote areas to larger hubs, the message was clear—better air connectivity is key to unlocking opportunities in commerce, tourism, health, education, and trade.

In SANMA Province, discussions centred around the potential of Pekoa Airport as a major gateway for international visitors and a hub for the northern provinces. This vision was shared by all parties involved, demonstrating a strong desire for collaborative solutions.

Through its partnership with the Australian-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation, this ongoing study is one of many positive steps toward meeting the connectivity needs of Vanuatu’s remote areas and creating long-term, mutually beneficial outcomes.

Air connectivity and service delivery in MALAMPA Province

Previously on October 16, the CSO team visited Norsup, Malekula in MALAMPA Province to gather views from provincial officials and local representatives, aiming to understand the region’s aviation needs and ensure future investments benefit the entire community.

During these discussions, the team learned about the struggles in providing essential services, especially when certain airports in the province lack regular flights. “Our people deserve to be our top priority,” one official stated. The conversations were highly productive, with all parties actively engaged and committed to collaborating on finding solutions. A strong sense of dedication emerged to improve air connectivity and meet the region’s needs.

Access to healthcare, education, and tourism was also highlighted as key areas that suffer without reliable air travel. A recurring theme in the talks was the urgent need for sustainable, long-term aviation connections to these remote areas.

In collaboration with the Australian-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation, this study aims to tackle these issues and bring lasting improvements to Ni-Vanuatu in remote provinces.

Community voices shape aviation solutions for TAFEA Province

The CSO team visited Tanna, Aniwa, and Ipota in TAFEA Province on October 14 and 15 to meet with provincial officials, local leaders, and community members. The goal of these meetings was to understand the region’s aviation needs and ensure future investments in aviation meet the needs of the whole community.

During the discussions, the team learned that while the resumption of air service from Tanna to Port Vila is welcomed, the outer islands still lack regular flights. This limits access to essential services such as healthcare, markets for fish, produce, handmade goods, banking, and more.

Women leaders from the remote islands stressed the difficulties caused by the lack of flights. They shared stories of pregnant women, children, and the elderly having to travel long distances in banana boats—often in dangerous conditions—to receive medical care.

A key message from the talks was that although the lack of domestic flights creates challenges, the communities are hopeful that the government is committed to finding solutions and ensuring they are not left behind.