October 2009

The Travel Bug - Issue 56

Air Vanuatu new ATR-72 airplane

Air Vanuatu media release 9th October: Air Vanuatu today accepted delivery of the new ATR 72-500 valued at US $ 20.5 million. The aircraft, configured with 68 seats and powered by PW 127M engines, will enable the airline to increase its domestic fleet passenger capacity and to respond to the traffic growth on regional routes. Acting Chief Executive Officer of Air Vanuatu, Joseph Laloyer said the ATR-72 was expected to arrive in Vila on Wednesday 14 October. “With its arrival, Air Vanuatu will boast the youngest fleet in the South Pacific, not to mention the benefits of additional capacity to our trunk domestic and regional routes.”

Once the ATR arrives in Vanuatu, it will undergo test flights and engineering checks in order to meet Civil Aviation Authority Vanuatu requirements. It is expected to commence commercial operations at the end of the month. Mr. Laloyer said the ATR-72 would operate to Santo, Tanna, Pentecost (during peak seasons), Fiji and New Caledonia. It will also be available for charter flights, including from Tanna to Noumea. Stéphane Mayer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said the company was delighted to deliver the new ATR aircraft to Air Vanuatu. (Source: VTO Island Nius)

Pacific Café opens for business

A newly renovated Pacific Café re-opened on Wednesday 29th September 2009, with a new owner and head chef Mr Eric Augst, who is originally from France. Formerly and solely an internet café, the small café outlet now serves English and French breakfast as well as a delicious lunch menu, topped off with 15 to 20 mins free internet access and a complimentary soft drink for customers. Pacific Café is located on the first floor in the Ex Ballande Centre opposite the Sebel Hotel and opens 7 days a week, from 7am to 4-5pm. A first for Port Vila is Pacific Café’s 3am early Saturday and Sunday morning opening hours for the late night / early morning party goers who are seeking a venue for some good hot coffee and a hot plate. For more information, contact Eric on phone (678) 5541409 or email: ericaugst@yahoo.fr

New Virgin Coconut Oil by Volcanic Earth

Volcanic Earth is now producing it’s very own Virgin Coconut Oil, all handmade, natural, raw and produced within one hour of opening the nut. The team has been working on the project for some months as part of Volcanic Earth's assistant scheme to help financially empower the local Ni-Vanuatu communities. Through the Virgin Coconut Oil project, there are now remote families on Efate, supplying coconuts, drivers are being employed to deliver, and a team of young men proudly producing this beautiful oil for all Volcanic Earth customers. Keep your eyes out for this new product, which will be in the Volcanic Earth shop, down town, very soon. For more information, call Linda & Barry on +678 7746112.

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