ATR to go on maintenance check during holiday season

October 31, 2024 9:42 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Compiled by Doddy Morris.

Santo business leaders are concerned that the timing of the ATR aircraft’s major inspection will cause financial losses to the island.

Last week, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Marco Mahe, serving as the Acting Prime Minister, informed investors in Luganville that Vanuatu’s ATR aircraft will go through a major inspection known as a C Check.

This thorough inspection, required every 18 to 24 months, will happen in November and could affect travel during the upcoming holiday season.

The C Check involves a deep review of the aircraft’s parts and systems, and it will ground the ATR for some time.

While Air Vanuatu has recently resumed domestic flights with the Twin Otter aircraft, there are concerns that the ATR’s absence will make travel to holiday destinations more difficult this year.

Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU), Marc Ati, confirmed that he was updated about the maintenance schedule by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) and Air Vanuatu.

He said that the airline would rely on island-based services during the holiday season to cover for the ATR.

Investors in Santo are frustrated by the timing, fearing more financial losses due to Air Vanuatu’s ongoing challenges.

During a meeting at NISCOL on Santo last week, one investor urged the Minister Mahe, “Vanuatu’s biggest problem today is Air Vanuatu. We here in Luganville are facing financial challenges. Please, do something.”

Attempts to get comments from the Air Vanuatu office went unanswered, adding to concerns over how the airline will manage during the busy season.

Many residents and business owners are worried about the impact on the community and economy if travel remains disrupted.