15 March, 2016: Works on the runway at Bauerfield International Airport have commenced to schedule, with the first shipment of materials arriving at the airport.
New Zealand company, Fulton Hogan, who were awarded the 56 day contract in February, have confirmed that repairs are on track to meet the completion deadline of 6 April 2016.
Air Vanuatu, Fiji Airways, and Aircalin are continuing all scheduled flights as normal to the airport whilst construction is in progress. The airlines remain satisfied, after each completing independent assessments and implementing continuous maintenance and monitoring, that the condition of the runway is safe to continue jet operations.
Airlines that temporarily suspended flights last month will conduct assessments after the work is complete in April before confirming the recommencement of their flight schedules.
Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL) chief executive officer, Jason Rakau said AVL has been working well with key stakeholders to ensure that works are carried out in a coordinated manner and without delay.
“I can assure the public that the runway fix is top of AVL’s priorities right now and that all available resources are being made available to assist and to ensure that Fulton Hogan meets their deadline,” Mr Rakau said.
“We are very happy with the great show of support so far from Air Vanuatu, Ifira Stevedoring, the Vanuatu Project Management Unit (VPMU), Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU), and Vanuatu Terminal Services Limited (VTS), amongst other local organisations, and appreciate the assistance provided to the AVL and Fulton Hogan teams in getting things done on time.
“I believe the tremendous show of support from local industry is a reflection of our nation’s strong commitment towards remedying the current situation without delay.”
ENDS
For further information contact Anne Morris or Nicole Smith at the Vanuatu Tourism Office Australian office via email vanuatu@gtitourism.com.au or phone + 61 (0) 2 9028 3577