Air Vanuatu sells unairworthy BN2 Islander to Unity Airlines

Air Vanuatu has sold a Britten-Norman BN2 Islander that is not in flyable condition, according to the airline. The aircraft carries the registration YJ-008.

The buyer is Unity Airlines, which paid 8.05 million Vatu, roughly 60,000 euros, including value-added tax. Unity Airlines had initially offered 15 million Vatu, but withdrew that bid after a further inspection on 18 August 2026, and ultimately paid seven million Vatu plus VAT.

Air Taxi Vanuatu said it had submitted a non-binding offer of 175,000 Australian dollars, equivalent to about 14 million Vatu. Air Taxi criticised the absence of a fresh tender round.

Air Vanuatu said the aircraft lost value steadily while parked in the open, and that an earlier public tender had produced no sale.

Britten-Norman declined to comment on the transaction.