South Pacific Carriers Strengthen Regional Cooperation
Aircalin and Air Van
uatu just signed a codeshare agreement, connecting New Caledonia’s capital Noumea and Port Vila, the capital of the Republic of Vanuatu, with six weekly flights. This new partnership is set to strengthen the regional cooperation between New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and encourage travellers to visit both unique South Pacific destinations, which offer an unrivalled cultural experience.
Commencing January 01, 2018, all flights between Noumea and Port Vila will be operated under the new codeshare agreement, and plated accordingly. Aircalin is to operate the route on Friday and Sunday afternoons, and Air Vanuatu on Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday mornings, whilst keeping its Sunday service as an additional flight for the month of January. The new schedule will provide more connections, and expected to increase for both airlines during peak season.
“I am delighted about signing the codeshare agreement between Aircalin and Air Vanuatu,” commented Didier Tapero, Managing Director at Aircalin. “This is a step forward in building a stronger regional cooperation between New Caledonia and Vanuatu. In addition, our valued corporate clients, our visitors, as well as tour operators will benefit from this newly formed partnership, as it offers more choices with all travel itineraries.”
“The new agreement between our two companies should stimulate tourism across the region,” said Joseph Laloyer, Air Vanuatu’s Managing Director. “In Vanuatu, we anticipate an increasing number of visitors not only to/from the three main destinations, such as Port Vila, Santo, and Tanna, but also to the outer islands.”
About Aircalin
Headquartered at Tontouta International Airport in Noumea (NOU), Aircalin operates a route network of more than 110 destinations in 50 countries. Direct international flights from Noumea include Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland, Nadi, Port-Vila, Wallis, Futuna, Papeete, Osaka, and Tokyo. Aircalin operates a fleet of two Airbus A330-200, two Airbus A32-200, and two Twin Otter DHC6-300 aircraft. From North America, most travelers fly to New Caledonia via Los Angeles, and either Brisbane, or Papeete (in codeshare with Air Tahiti Nui). New Caledonia is a paradise destination for nature lovers, adventure, and watersport enthusiasts. Best time to visit is from June – August, and November – March.
About Air Vanuatu
Based in Port Vila (VLI), Air Vanuatu is the flag carrier of the Republic of Vanuatu, which is made up of roughly 80 islands. The archipelago is located about 1,100 miles east of Australia, 310 miles north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and south of the Solomon Islands. Air Vanuatu operates direct international routes to Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Nadi, and Noumea, as well as serving 27 ports domestically. Air Vanuatu’s fleet comprises one Boeing 737-800, two ATR72-600, three Twin Otter DHC6-300, and one Britten Norman BN2 Islander aircraft. In 2016, Air Vanuatu flew almost 300,000 passengers.
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