Volcano air charter and tour carrier Unity Airlines (Port Vila) is soon to repatriate an Aero Commander it acquired in Africa before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Port Vila-based media are reporting that the aircraft will soon ferry to Vanuatu where it is expected to significantly boost Unity's operational capabilities.

Unity Airlines CEO Tony Deamer was quoted as saying that the Aero Commander was purchased in March 2020 in Kenya but the pandemic effectively prevented its transfer. However, since then, the aircraft has undergone several upgrades, including adding an Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) system which Deamer said would make the aircraft a valuable addition to the small airline.

He added that the pressurised turboprop can fly up to nine passengers at 240 knots per hour (445km per hour) and has the range to make it from Port Vila to either Australia or New Zealand. According to the Unity Airlines website, it already operates a Piper (twin turboprop) Chieftan, a Britten Norman BN-2 Islander, and a Britten Norman Trislander. The two Islanders range around Vanuatu while the Piper Chieftan can fly as far as New Caledonia and Fiji.

ch-aviation has contacted Unity Airlines for further details on the incoming aircraft.