Fire truck failure closes Santo Airport to larger aircraft

By Andrew Curran.

Vanuatu’s Luganville/Espiritu Santo Airport is temporarily closed to aircraft capable of carrying thirty or more passengers because of an unserviceable firefighting vehicle. The restriction primarily affects Air Vanuatu and Solomon Airlines, which typically operate larger aircraft into the airport.

The initial Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued on November 2, advising that aircraft rescue and firefighting services were unavailable because the airport’s fire truck was out of action. Two days later, on November 4, another NOTAM advised that aircraft capable of carrying 30 or more passengers were prohibited from using the airport. The airport, widely referred to as Santo Airport, remains open to smaller aircraft.

The directives were issued by the Director of Civil Aviation under the country’s Civil Aviation Act and Civil Aviation Rules Part 139.

Air Vanuatu normally flies between Port Vila (VLI) and Santo (SON) using its ATR 72-600. It has temporarily suspended ATR services on the route, although the airline also operates DHC-6-300 Twin Otters up to three times a day on the sector, and those flights continue.

“We fully respect the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu’s decision,” said Air Vanuatu CEO Philippe Busson. “We are working closely with CAAV and Airports Vanuatu Limited and will resume flights to Santo on larger aircraft as soon as CAAV gives clearance.”

Luganville’s sole airport fire truck fails routine operational test

Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL), the state-owned operator of Santo Airport, says the airport’s sole firefighting vehicle became unserviceable following a routine operational test, during which it failed to start because of a mechanical fault.

“AVL management has activated an urgent corrective action plan to restore the airport's firefighting capability as quickly as possible,” the airport operator said in a statement.

“Our technical and maintenance teams are currently working intensively in Port Vila to repair and restore another firefighting vehicle. Once the repairs are completed, the vehicle will undergo the necessary serviceability checks and CAAV inspection before being transported to Santo for deployment.”

Unconfirmed reports suggest Airports Vanuatu has chartered a boat to transport a fire truck to Espiritu Santo Island, potentially as soon as November 10.

The other scheduled operator into Luganville/Espiritu Santo is Solomon Airlines, which flies there twice a week from Brisbane (BNE) using an A320-200. The airline cancelled its scheduled service on November 8.

“Airport stakeholders are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” its travel advisory reads. Solomon Airlines’ next scheduled service to Santo is on November 12.

Aging airport fire truck to be replaced before end of year

Airports Vanuatu says the restrictions at Santo have the “full attention” of the agency’s executive management and technical teams. However, its statement says aviation safety remains non-negotiable and that it will not compromise required safety standards in the interests of restoring flight operations prematurely.

Santo Airport’s single fire truck was donated by the Government of France in 1990. Airports Vanuatu says the vehicle has reached an “advanced age” and that sourcing spare parts has become increasingly difficult. However, a replacement fire truck is expected by the end of the year and will be permanently stationed at the airport.

“Airports Vanuatu Limited acknowledges that Santo International Airport is a critical gateway for Santo,” its statement adds. In the meantime, the operator says it is working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu and its in-house technical teams to ensure that the “corrective measures are completed and the airport's required firefighting coverage is restored.”

Air Vanuatu is treating the runway restriction as a force majeure event and is not offering refunds or covering passengers’ expenses resulting from delays, although the airline is allowing passengers to rebook. Solomon Airlines is offering passengers the choice of rerouting, a full refund or flight credit.

Photo: Airports Vanuatu Limited
Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com