New Twin Otter Expected Next Month as Government Pushes Aviation Reforms

May 18, 2026 11:06 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat has announced that a new Twin Otter aircraft is expected to arrive in Vanuatu next month as part of Government reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation sector and improving domestic connectivity.

Speaking during the First Ordinary Session of Parliament 2026 yesterday, the PM said aviation remains a critical component of the national economy, particularly following the challenges caused by the liquidation period of the national airline.

He said the crisis had not only affected the tourism industry but also disrupted travel for people moving between islands.

“Our Government considered the issue in terms of the aviation sector as a very critical element in terms of the economy,” the PM told Parliament.

He said the Government acted quickly after taking office to address the liquidation issue and improve domestic air services by purchasing a Twin Otter aircraft.

“We have seen for the first time when this Government came on board it addressed the issue of liquidation and purchased a Twin Otter. The next Twin Otter will arrive next month,” he said.

According to the PM, the additional aircraft forms part of broader reforms being introduced to improve transportation services across the country and ensure more reliable access for outer island communities.

“These are some of the reforms the Government is undertaking in terms of the aviation sector to allow our people to move to and fro,” he said.

PM Napat also acknowledged private ship owners who continue to provide maritime transport services throughout Vanuatu, saying their contribution remains vital in supporting communities and maintaining services between the islands.

“I want to acknowledge those who own ships and continue to provide services to the people of Vanuatu,” he said.

He credited the progress in the aviation sector to the stability of the current Government and said reforms are already producing positive outcomes.

“This is a result of a stable Government where we are seeing most of the changes happening,” he said.

The PM noted that while the Government’s priority remains focused on strengthening domestic aviation, international tourism is also showing strong recovery.

He said more international flights are now arriving in Vanuatu, and hotels are experiencing very high occupancy rates as visitor numbers continue to increase.

“Most hotels are fully occupied, close to 100 percent occupancy rate, as a result of changes we are introducing inside the aviation sector,” he said.