Air Vanuatu reports loads on the rise
Air Vanuatu has seen passenger numbers rebound in 2012 with a spate of fare initiatives luring Australians to the Pacific nation.
General manager Australia and New Zealand Malcolm Pryor told Travel Today that load factors have recovered to “very good” levels. It continues the improvement last year after a tough 2010 as rival airlines cranked up their marketing.
“Overall, we’re probably up by between 30% to 35% in passenger numbers,” Pryor told Travel Today. “We’ve really seen Vanuatu come back to where it should be.”
Fare initiatives, such as a $199 fare for kids under 12 inclusive of taxes, had helped boost sales from Australia outside the traditional high season.
Meanwhile, the airline will not undertake any major advertising in the Australian market, but will instead continue to work with major wholesalers to promote the destination in partnership with the Vanuatu Tourism Office.
“Let’s face it, people choose the destination,” Pryor said. “The back story is we have a pretty good little airline with modern equipment, experienced pilots and crew and full in-flight service.”
Air Vanuatu will extend the period of flying between Vanuatu and Melbourne in 2013. It will continue to fly once a week but will extend its schedule beyond the traditional high season.
This year, the carrier added a seventh weekly service from Sydney taking it to daily.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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