I will be reviewing Air Vanuatu Flight NF8 from Port Vila to Melbourne. This was my second time flying Air Vanuatu , with my first time operating as NF7 on the trip up from Melbourne to Port Vila, on their only Boeing 737-800 in the fleet so far registered YJ-AV8. They are in the process of modernising and expanding their fleet. Mid 2020, they will be taking delivery of the new Airbus A220 aircraft, with longer range new engines and improved efficiency.
Air Vanuatu has only just launched direct services halfway through the year to Melbourne connecting the capital Port Vila with Melbourne already serving the established routes of other east coast capital cities like Sydney and Brisbane. It is certainly relieving that no international connection was needed , requiring hopping off the domestic flight then transferring onto the international one, which sometimes can be inconvenient, as some airports are that large you need a monorail or bus to transfer you to the international side, and thus can be a headache, especially with airports you are transiting through for the first time, or that there may be major refurbishment and new projects adding to transiting pains. My departure gate was Gate 2, a nice simple process as Bauerfield Airport is small in comparison to the major city airports on the mainland. Immigration process was quite swift as well. I did like the small size of the airport, as it is partially open air and you embark the aircraft via the forward and rear stairs, just like the old days .
My seat (as specified on the boarding pass ) was Seat 11A which is a window seat, my favourite seat preference. Like the flight up, the time of departure twas punctual . Additionally, like the flight up, it was not full, having the extra seat of the 3-3 configuration free. There are no individual flight entertainment screens, only overhead projector screens, however this was no problem for me, as I had downloaded movies prior to the flight and was able to watch them offline. Ps do bring your laptop or iPad or phone with Netflix or Stan, to watch your favourite TV shows or movies on.
Dinner was delicious , having gobbled it all down. Extra kudos for having wooden utensils instead of plastic.I chose the peri peri chicken with yellow rice and a a Mrs Higgins raspberry and white choc cookie as a complementary sweet. I then followed up with a couple of white wines which went down nicely. The flight was very smooth as well, with phenomenal views being provided over the South Pacific. As an avid traveller and flyer, that is all you need. Stunning views (especially flying over mountainous New Caledonia), and especially that defining hue of blue of the Pacific Ocean. I especially loved the cabin mood lighting which was either a neutral or light blue tone, calming in nature . I also love the cabin crew uniform which is a lovely light blue, as seen on the aircraft’s livery.
Overall, I had a fantastic flight with no criticisms. I recommend Air Vanuatu and look forward to flying with them again.
+Very punctual departure time
+ Dinner was delicious
+Wooden utensils instead of plastic (Vanuatu has banned plastic) , great sustainability
+ Young aircraft, delivered in 2016
+ Mood lighting
+Stylish, subtle Interior
+Window Seat
-No individual flight entertainment screens.
-No wifi
Rating: 7/10
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