The_CEO_Magazine_ANZ_-_December_2016

FLIGHT CHECK

AIR VANUATU

Miles of smiles en route to paradise

T

he route: Sydney to Port

Vila, 3½ hours, six times per

week. Brisbane to Port Vila,

2½ hours, three times per

week and direct to Espiritu

Santo once per week.

The plane: Boeing 737–800, featuring

the spacious ‘Sky Interior’ and large

overhead lockers. The cabins are bright

and comfortable, with roomy seats in a

3–3 configuration. The first two rows

are Business Class, and the third is

Economy Class with extra legroom.

Baggage allowance: Economy 7kg

carry on, 23kg checked. Business 7kg

carry on, 30kg checked. Passengers

travelling together can pool their

luggage allowance if they check in

together. It’s important to note that

interior transfer flights to Santo and

Tanna all have a 23kg checked

baggage allowance.

Entertainment: The plane has no

personal screens, just drop-down ones

every four seats showing the real-time

flight path, with live data streaming from

the aircraft’s flight management system.

To access in-flight entertainment, you

will need to bring your own device and

connect via wi-fi to watch a selection of

drama, comedy, adventure and kids

television shows, as well as some

documentaries about Vanuatu. There are

also six radio channels. You will need to

download the Air Vanuatu Entertainment

app before departure. There is also a

glossy in-flight magazine full of ideas on

where to explore, eat, drink, dance, shop

and swim once you land. It’s only a short

flight, but if you need some decent

distraction, you might consider

downloading something to watch before

you leave, or bringing a good book.

Meals: Economy passengers receive a

complimentary meal or snack service,

which includes wine, sparkling and

beer. Meal choices may include beef pie

or ham and cheese Panini, with fruit, a

cookie and a beverage. It’s light, but

satisfying and all you really need on

such a short flight. Those fortunate

enough to travel Business Class are

treated to a five-course meal with full

bar service, including French

Champagne. Passengers can also

pre-book special meals to suit any

specific dietary requirements.

Service: Vanuatu is a Melanesian

paradise, dubbed one of the happiest

places on Earth, and the true Vanuatu

experience begins the moment you

board the plane. Staff are bright and

cheery, managing to appear calm and

relaxed while operating efficiently. It’s

wonderful to slip into island time, as

the crew make you feel like you don’t

have a care in the world.

Good to know : Passengers flying

from Australia to Vanuatu must have

at least six months left on their

passport, or they will be refused entry.

You will also need to provide evidence

of your return ticket.

Ve r d i c t : HHHHH