Air Vanuatu Wet-Leases ATR72 from Air Calédonie Amid Engine Delays

Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila) has been wet-leasing ATR72-600 capacity from Air Calédonie (TY, Nouméa Magenta) since mid-October to maintain domestic operations while one of its own aircraft remains grounded, according to French broadcaster La Première. The New Caledonian airline is providing both the aircraft and crew on weekdays.

Flight-tracking data shows that two of Air Calédonie’s ATR72-600s—F-OZIP (msn 1355) and F-OZLI (msn 1380)—have alternated on Air Vanuatu’s domestic routes since October 13. Operating under the “NF” code, they primarily serve flights between Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna.

Air Vanuatu’s own ATR72-600, registered YJ-AV73 (msn 1358), has been grounded since August due to engine maintenance issues. The carrier had previously sought temporary capacity from regional operators, including Air Calédonie, to sustain its schedule.

The airline’s operational challenges stem from a global shortage of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines that power ATR turboprop aircraft. Air Vanuatu CEO Joseph Laloyer confirmed earlier that the shortage has significantly delayed repairs.

To address the issue, the Vanuatu government approved around VUV 300 million (USD 2.5 million) in early September to fund repairs for the ATR72-600 and one of the airline’s DHC-6-300 Twin Otters. An engine was shipped from Canada soon after, though no updates have been provided on its installation or the aircraft’s return to service.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com