Air Vanuatu Appoints Philippe Busson as Chief Executive Officer

PORT VILA, VANUATU -June 18, 2026 – The Board of Directors of Air Vanuatu (Operations) Ltd today announced the appointment of Mr Philippe “Phil” Busson as the new Chief Executive Officer of the national carrier. Mr Busson succeeds Mr Joseph Laloyer, whose long and distinguished service to Air Vanuatu the Board wishes to recognise with its deepest gratitude.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Joseph Laloyer

Few people have given as much to Air Vanuatu as Joseph Laloyer. Over a career spanning more than two decades with the airline, Mr Laloyer served as Chief Executive Officer across several periods — first leading the company from 2010, and returning to the helm whenever the airline most needed steady, experienced leadership, including through its most recent and most challenging chapter.

During his tenure, Mr Laloyer guided Air Vanuatu through significant fleet renewal and investment, including the introduction of new ATR aircraft, a Twin Otter and a Boeing 737-800, and oversaw the airline’s IOSA safety re-registration and the strengthening of its codeshare partnerships. He steered the carrier through some of the most difficult periods in its history from the aftermath of Cyclone Pam, through the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently through the airline’s restructuring and the rebuilding of its operations.

Time and again, Mr Laloyer answered the call to serve his country’s national airline, often stepping back into leadership during moments of uncertainty. The Board recognises that this commitment came with personal sacrifice, and that the resilience of Air Vanuatu today owes a great deal to his steadiness, his deep institutional knowledge, and his unwavering belief in the airline’s importance to the people of Vanuatu.

“On behalf of the Board, the management and staff of Air Vanuatu, and the people of Vanuatu, we extend our sincere thanks to Joseph Laloyer,” said Chairman of the Board, Captain Robin Deamer. “His dedication to this airline over so many years — and his willingness to serve again and again when he was needed most – reflects a rare and genuine commitment. We wish him every happiness and success in the future, and he will always be regarded as part of the Air Vanuatu family”

The Board is delighted to welcome Mr Philippe Busson as the airline’s new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Busson brings 28 years of aviation leadership experience, having held senior roles across aircraft and engine manufacturers, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organisations, lessors and airlines. His expertise lies in global strategy and operations management.

He most recently served as Chief Strategy & Operating Officer for two New Caledonia-based airlines. Between these roles, he spent more than five years as an aviation consultant at IDEAL Consulting, advising airlines across Asia and the South Pacific on start-up projects, fleet management and organisational optimisation.

Mr Busson also sits on the Executive Board of the Association of South Pacific Airlines, where he supports collaboration and synergy among carriers across the region. He holds a Master’s in Engineering from INSA Lyon, completed in partnership with MIT, and is a family man with three children.

“We are very pleased to welcome Phil to Air Vanuatu at this important moment in the airline’s recovery,” said Chairman Captain Robin Deamer. “His depth of regional and international aviation experience, his strategic and operational expertise, and his strong ties to the South Pacific make him exceptionally well suited to lead Air Vanuatu into its next chapter. The Board looks forward to working closely with him as we continue to rebuild a safe, reliable and sustainable national carrier that serves the people of Vanuatu and connects our islands to the world.”

Mr Busson’s appointment follows a recruitment process conducted by the Board in line with its governance obligations. He is expected to arrive in Port Vila and take up the role on 01 August 2026, and will work closely with the Board, the management team and staff to deliver on the airline’s strategic priorities of safety, reliability and financial sustainability.