Next Twin Otter expected by end of July

July 15, 2026 11:00 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Anita Roberts.

The second Twin Otter aircraft, which was initially scheduled for delivery in March this year, is now expected by the end of this month.

This was conveyed by the Deputy Prime Minister (PM) and Minister of Finance, Johnny Koanapo, when addressing the people of South Epi during the opening of the new Lopeni Airport last Friday.

Air Vanuatu has faced political, financial and operational challenges over the past years, which led to its liquidation in mid-2024.

Deputy PM Koanapo said everyone working at Air Vanuatu must “pull up their socks” and work together to rebuild the airline.

The government has purchased two Twin Otter aircraft from a US-based company for VT540 million each to revive the national airline and restore domestic connectivity, according to a reliable source.

The first Twin Otter aircraft has been operating domestic services since arriving in January this year. Manufactured by De Havilland Canada, these aircraft are described as reliable and suitable for Vanuatu’s islands.

Unlike past arrangements where aircraft were leased, the two new Twin Otters are government-owned.

The government plans to further expand the domestic fleet this year, alongside a programme to rehabilitate airports across the country.

Deputy PM Koanapo told the people of South Epi that the aircraft will also serve the new Lopeni Airport once it arrives. He assured them that the airport was built to meet aviation standards and must be properly maintained.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Xavier Emanuel Harry, and senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu and the ministry were also on the island for the opening.

Lopeni Airport received its first scheduled Belair flight yesterday, connecting Port Vila, South Epi, Tongoa and back to Port Vila.