Expression of Interest for Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Francoise Nguyen
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Air Vanuatu (Operations) Limited (AVOL)
Applications closed Monday, 06 April 2026
● The Air Vanuatu (Operations) Limited Board is committed to a transparent and robust process in the refreshed continuation of CEO recruitment aligned to current strategy, reflecting the organisation’s current priorities and future direction.
● Contract full-time position open to All Applicants
● Based in Port Vila
The Organisation
Air Vanuatu is the national carrier of Vanuatu, connecting the country to key regional and international destinations while supporting domestic travel across the islands. In 2026, the airline is focused on rebuilding and strengthening operations, enhancing reliability and customer experience, and aligning its services with the nation’s tourism and economic recovery. With a commitment to safety, service, and national pride, Air Vanuatu plays a vital role in linking communities and showcasing Vanuatu to the world.
The Position
The CEO will be providing visionary leadership to Air Vanuatu (Operations) Limited, driving operational excellence, financial sustainability, and superior customer experience. The CEO is responsible for achieving strategic objectives under the Commercial Government Business Enterprises Act 2024 (CGBE Act), ensuring that AVOL is a safe, reliable, and commercially successful airline, while protecting shareholder investment and maintaining compliance with all regulatory frameworks.
This role combines strategic oversight, operational management, financial stewardship and stakeholder engagement to ensure AVOL delivers world-class performance as a national carrier.
Essential Selection Criteria
► Compliance with Vanuatu’s Civil Aviation Authority Fit & Proper criteria, police clearance and medical fitness.
► Minimum 10–15 years in senior airline leadership roles with responsibility for operations, finance or commercial strategy.
► Proven track record in airline management, including safety, scheduling, financial management and fleet operations.
► Tertiary qualification in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics or related field.
► Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with senior government officials, regulators and boards of directors.
► Strategic Thinking & Decision Making: Ability to develop long-term plans aligned with corporate and national objectives.
► Financial & Commercial Acumen: Expertise in airline economics, investment analysis, and financial management.
► Operational Leadership: Understanding of airline scheduling, fleet management, safety, and on-time performance.
► People Leadership: Talent development, succession planning, and fostering a high-performance culture.
► Stakeholder Management: Negotiation, partnership building, and government liaison.
► Customer Focus: Commitment to delivering a world-class passenger experience.
► Communication & Influence: Ability to inspire confidence and align multiple stakeholders to strategic objectives.
Desirable Selection Criteria
► Must speak fluent English, with an academic understanding of French.
► Advanced degree (MBA, master’s in aviation management), or equivalent.
► Experience in international airline partnerships, alliances or code-share arrangements.
► Exposure to ICAO, IATA, PASO or equivalent international aviation standards.
► Experience in route development, RASK/CASK optimization and government subsidy management.
Job Description
Please read the Job Description before applying. Download with this link:
Apply Online
Do NOT email your application.
Applications closed Monday, 06 April 2026
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