VANUATU is set to reap the benefits of Solomon Airlines’ second weekly flight from Australia.
The first Brisbane-Port Vila on April 4 saw 112 passengers arrive at Santo Pekoa International airport in Luganville.
This second weekly flight is designed to draw visitors to Luganville which is 2.5 hours from Brisbane.
Vanuatu Tourism CEO Adela Issachar Aru said the increased capacity would have positive ramifications for other sectors of the economy.
“The launch of a second weekly direct service from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo is very welcome news for Vanuatu’s tourism industry, particularly for our partners and communities in Santo,” she said.
The flight comes as the country’s tourism industry continues to recover from a devastating earthquake in 2024.
“Improved and reliable air access is essential as we continue to rebuild and grow our visitor economy, and this additional service is an important step forward for our northern islands,” Aru said.
Mathew Findlay CEO of Solomon Airlines, said the increased weekly flights showed that Vanuatu was in demand as a tourist destination.
“The commencement of this second weekly service to Espiritu Santo is a strong vote of confidence in the destination and reflects the growing demand we are seeing for Santo.”
Solomon Airlines will fly the route twice weekly using an A320-200 aircraft.
Source: Karryon.com.au
