Air Vanuatu Seeks Wet-Lease After ATR72 Grounding

Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila) is seeking additional aircraft capacity after grounding its only ATR72-600 due to an engine maintenance issue, CEO Joseph Laloyer told public broadcaster VTBC. The turboprop, registered YJ-AV73 (msn 1358), has been parked at Port Vila since August 1, 2025, after arriving from Espiritu Santo, according to Flightradar24 data.

Laloyer said the global shortage of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines will keep the aircraft grounded for an extended period, prompting the airline to explore options to maintain its domestic schedule. The carrier has approached Fiji Airways, Solomon Airlines, Aircalin, and several Australian operators about potential wet-lease arrangements or other capacity-sharing agreements.

Air Vanuatu’s two DHC-6-300 Twin Otters remain operational and are currently serving the ATR’s usual routes to Espiritu Santo and Tanna. However, with the smaller aircraft in use, services are running at reduced frequency.

The ATR72-600 played a key role in connecting Vanuatu’s islands, offering more capacity and comfort than the Twin Otters. Its absence has created a gap in the airline’s network at a time when reliable domestic air service is crucial for both residents and the tourism sector.

Air Vanuatu has not commented publicly on the negotiations, but the move underscores the growing challenges faced by regional carriers amid global supply chain issues affecting aircraft engines and spare parts availability. A timely wet-lease deal could help the airline stabilize operations until the ATR can return to service.

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