Critical engine part arrives, AV3 ATR nears return

February 18, 2026 10:03 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

A long-awaited engine component for AV3’s ATR 72-600 aircraft arrived in Vanuatu today, bringing the grounded aircraft closer to resuming domestic flights.

The component, transported in a specially marked crate, was carefully moved by airport staff from the tarmac to AV3’s hangar at Port Vila International Airport. The ATR has been grounded for several months, and the arrival of the replacement part marks a noteworthy step toward its return to service.

Airport officials overseeing the operation said the transfer was handled with precision to ensure the component’s safety. “This is a critical part, and its arrival is an important milestone for the airline,” one official said.

The engine component was supplied by StandardAero, a global aerospace company founded in 1911 in Winnipeg, Canada. StandardAero specialises in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft engines and components, supporting commercial, military, and business aviation worldwide. The company operates 49 facilities globally and is recognised as a leading provider of engine and component services for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

AV3 engineers are expected to begin the installation and testing of the engine component immediately, with the airline aiming to have the aircraft airworthy as soon as possible.

The ATR 72-600 operates on key domestic routes, and its return is anticipated to ease pressure on the airline’s schedule while restoring normal service across the network.