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Exclusive: Qantas Seizes Opportunity in Vanuatu Amid National Airline's Struggles
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Qantas and Jetstar are planning to take over the Australia-Vanuatu routes after the national airline, Air Vanuatu, ceased operations.
The Flying Kangaroo has requested approval for 1,798 seats per week each way over a period of five years, intending to launch Qantas flights in August and Jetstar flights in October. This decision will position Qantas as a competitor to Virgin Australia, which is presently the sole airline offering flights between Australia and Vanuatu.
Starting in August 2024, Qantas intends to offer flights using a mix of their Boeing 737 planes, which have 174 seats, and Embraer E190 planes, which have 97 seats. These Embraer E190 aircraft will be operated under a wet lease agreement with Alliance Airlines. This information was detailed by Anna Pritchard, who is Qantas' executive manager for government, industry, and competition, in a letter to the International Air Services Commission (IASC).
When demand is highest, Qantas intends to run as many as five flights per week with their Boeing 737 aircraft. Starting in October 2024, Jetstar aims to conduct up to four weekly flights using their Airbus A321 NEO planes, each equipped with 232 seats.
A representative from Qantas verified the action to Australian Aviation, stating that the IASC procedure is anticipated to last several weeks.
"Several airlines, such as Qantas and Jetstar, are considering launching new routes or enhancing their current services between Australia and Vanuatu. We will provide our customers with updates as our plans develop," stated the spokesperson.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Air Vanuatu entering voluntary liquidation earlier this month, with debts amounting to at least $99 million, as reported by its liquidators, Ernst and Young. Two weeks ago, the airline unexpectedly halted all international flights, stranding many passengers.
Air Vanuatu partners with Qantas to offer daily flights connecting Sydney to Port Vila, while flights from Brisbane to Port Vila are available four times a week. Additionally, there are three weekly flights from Melbourne to Port Vila and a weekly flight from Brisbane to Santo, which is operated by Solomon Airlines for Air Vanuatu.
The Flying Kangaroo has recommended that passengers on impacted codeshare flights get in touch with Qantas.
Air Vanuatu is facing challenges with the upkeep of its sole jet, a Boeing 737-800, which has been grounded since January. In addition, the airline runs an ATR 72-600 for trips between the islands.
In a statement issued in March, Air Vanuatu mentioned that it was heavily relying on flights operated by Solomon Airlines under contract, as well as an additional 737 aircraft leased from Nauru Airlines.
“Although the airline is still running more than 70% of its planned international flights, it faces significant challenges. Its only Boeing 737 is still out of service due to a need for parts, and one of the A320s leased from Solomon Airlines now needs repairs as well,” according to the statement.
The sole alternative pathway from Vanuatu to Australia is a Virgin Australia flight from Port Vila to Brisbane, which began last year. This route offers up to five nonstop flights during the high season and three in the low season. Virgin Australia has expanded its service to Vanuatu this month due to the recent downfall of Air Vanuatu.
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