Moving away from legacy systems: the example of Air Vanuatu

Founded in 1981 following Vanuatu's independence, Air Vanuatu has connected the archipelago's 80+ islands for over four decades and served as the gateway linking Vanuatu with the wider Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand. As the airline entered a new phase of its operations, it turned towards CitizenPlane to support that transition and scale with its ambitions. 

Looking for a PSS fit for scale 

Operating in a dynamic market across a geographically complex archipelago, Air Vanuatu needed a platform that could adapt quickly to its needs. Flexibility was the priority: the ability to adjust operations, add capabilities incrementally, and work with a technology partner that could respond at the speed the airline required.

Initially operating on Amadeus PSS, they switched to CitizenPlane for a better fit on their need for speed and flexibility. Air Vanuatu's IBE is now live, giving passengers a modern, seamless booking experience directly through the airline. The team has praised the progress at every stage of the migration, describing the switch as refreshing and well-suited to where the airline is heading.

"Our partnership is a good example of how one size does not fit all in aviation technology. Smaller, agile airlines like Air Vanuatu need a partner that moves at their speed, not the other way around. We're pleased to support Air Vanuatu on that journey, and we’re looking forward to the next steps!" Gregoire Echalier, CEO Zenith (CitizenPlane Group).

"Moving to CitizenPlane has been a smooth and positive transition. The team's responsiveness and support throughout the migration gave us real confidence. For a small airline like us, planning for growth, that level of reactivity from a technology partner makes a tangible difference." Joseph Laloyer, CEO Air Vanuatu.

From all-in-one to incremental growth

Rather than committing to a fixed all-in-one package, Air Vanuatu can now build on the platform incrementally, adding modules and capabilities as the airline grows. For a carrier focused on rebuilding smartly, that modularity delivers real value.

Zenith covers the full commercial operation in a single cohesive system: inventory management, pricing, reservations, e-ticketing, and check-in. The result removes fragmentation, reduces overhead, and gives the team a support partner that adapts to Air Vanuatu's needs.

Air Vanuatu currently serves over 15 destinations across Vanuatu's main island groups. The airline is exploring growth strategies to continue to help support the tourism industry of Vanuatu and ensure strong connectivity for both local and international travellers across Vanuatu. 

Zenith supports that trajectory directly. As Air Vanuatu adds routes, enters new markets, and pursues partnerships, the platform scales alongside, providing the distribution connectivity and interline capabilities needed to compete at that level.

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As Air Vanuatu grows its network and continues to serve the communities that depend on it, CitizenPlane is proud to power that journey and work on a long-term partnership.

Ready for a platform fit for your operations? Let's talk about what CitizenPlane can do for you.

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