Air Caledonie launches flight connecting Noumea and Port Vila again

Monday, 7th October 2024 – Port-Vila, Vanuatu:

The Government of Vanuatu is pleased to announce the commencement of new flight services between Noumea and Port Vila, operated by Air Caledonie. These flights will begin on October 3, operating twice weekly, marking a significant step in reestablishing aviation connections between Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

The Acting Minister for Tourism and Trade, Hon. Minister Koanapo, welcomed the new service, stating, “This is another enormous step in the restoration of Vanuatu’s aviation connectivity. We congratulate Air Caledonie on this service and look forward to working together to ensure its success.”

Minister Koanapo also emphasized the long-standing and deep partnership between Vanuatu and New Caledonia, noting that this service will support the reconnection of families, strengthen business ties, and boost tourism between the two nations.

The Deputy Head of Mission of the Vanuatu French Embassy, Mr. Sébastien Jaunâtre also applauded the commencement of the service, stating, “it is imperative that we look towards the future and ensure our strong connections with neighbors are maintained. It is important that our communities are able to connect.”

Adding to the excitement, Mrs. Adela Issachar Aru, CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office, stated, “We warmly welcome the new Air Caledonie flights as a pivotal step in revitalizing tourism. This service will not only facilitate travel for our residents but also encourage international visitors to explore the beauty and culture of Vanuatu. We look forward to promoting these connections and supporting Air Caledonie in attracting more tourists to our shores. These will assist in growing not only visitors from New Caledonia but visitors from some of Vanuatu’s long-haul markets such as France.”

Ms. Marion Gentelet, Sales Director of Air Caledonie, expressed enthusiasm for the new route: “We are looking forward to working together to ensure the success of the service. We are confident that we can continue to grow the route. There will be 140 seats available per week from Noumea to Port Vila, and we are already collaborating with the Vanuatu Tourism Office to bring tourism traffic back. We have special launch airfares available already and are pleased with the response.”

This new air service represents a significant step in strengthening the social and economic ties between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. The Government of Vanuatu reiterates its commitment to supporting this initiative and looks forward to the positive impact it will have on both nations.

Air Caledonie flies between Noumea and Port Vila on Thursday and Monday. Services depart Noumea at 3pm and arrive in Port Vila at 4.30pm. They return to Noumea departing at 5.30pm arriving at Tontouta International Airport at 7pm.