The vice chairman of PANAF Group says his company is in discussions with the Vanuatu government about investment and collaboration opportunities in Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila).
"We are in advanced talks with the government of Vanuatu on the prospects for Air Vanuatu," Roland Ehrsam told ch-aviation.
The Vanuatu government paused all Air Vanuatu flights and called in liquidators Ernst & Young in May after the state-owned airline had racked up financial losses and an unsustainable level of debt. Recently, the liquidators sold Air Vanuatu to a shelf company owned by Vanuatu's foreign ministry, saying its offer was the best received. Air Vanuatu has resumed some limited domestic services and exited the liquidation process.
The government is now talking to an unspecified number of interested parties, including PANAF, about buying a 49% stake in Air Vanuatu. The government would retain a 51% shareholding. This is in line with a recommendation from Ernst & Young, which now serves in a compromise administrator role but told ch-aviation it is playing no part in any talks.
"We are committed to providing strategic investment and operational expertise to ensure Air Vanuatu’s stability and regional integration," said Ehrsam. "Our joint vision includes operational improvements, strengthened domestic connectivity, and support for local training programmes, all tailored to meet Vanuatu’s unique needs.”
"Our focus is on strengthening Air Vanuatu to better serve our communities, especially those in remote areas," said Vanuatu's deputy prime minister, Matai Seremaiah Mawalu." Partnering with PANAF Group brings not only financial support but also international expertise to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth throughout our island nation."
No details were immediately available on PANAF Group. Aside from Ehrsam, individuals involved in the company include Oliver Lackmann, who was the managing director of German Airways (ZQ, Cologne/Bonn) until March this year, and Jörg Diener, a German national and business advisor.
