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Pekoa Cargo Center
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The Pekoa Cargo Center at Pekoa International Airport in Luganville is Vanuatu's second-most important air logistics hub. It serves as the primary connection for the northern islands and is a cornerstone of the economy of Espiritu Santo. The airport features a long runway originally established by US forces during World War II, which has since been modernized for commercial use. Pekoa specializes in the export of regional commodities, including chilled beef from local processing plants and high-grade organic produce. Furthermore, the airport acts as a vital distribution point for domestic flights, supplying remote islands in Sanma and Torba provinces with essential goods. Logistics facilities at Pekoa have been steadily expanded to support the growing demands of both the tourism industry and regional trade. This hub is crucial for decentralizing the national economy and enabling direct exports from the northern region to international markets.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Top sights: Pentecost church · Banban whitewood christian fellowship · Banban transfiguration parish
- Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (66 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 272 | 274 | 271 | 272 | 183 | 162 | 116 | 105 | 109 | 151 | 175 | 170 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Pekoa Cargo Center at Pekoa Airport on Espiritu Santo is a logistics facility supporting the export of agricultural products from northern Vanuatu. It consolidates goods for air freight to main markets.
Visiting
The cargo center is in the restricted airport area and not open to the public. From the airport apron or observation terrace, however, one can watch cargo handling.
Where to view it
The best view of the cargo center is from the small observation platform at the airport terminal. From there, cargo planes and loading operations on the apron are visible.
Local products
High-quality agricultural products like coffee, cocoa, and vanilla from northern Vanuatu are shipped here by air freight. Travelers can buy these specialities at Luganville markets.
Active season
Freight operations are active year-round, with increased volume after main coffee and cocoa harvests. Cargo plane schedules adapt to seasonal fluctuations in export volumes.
Nearby
Visit nearby Luganville in combination with its historic sites and dive spots. A trip to Champagne Beach or Millennium Cave is also worthwhile.
Geography
Facts
- Second-largest international airport in Vanuatu (IATA code: SON)
- Originally built as a major US military airfield in WWII
- Specialized in the air transport of premium Santo beef
- Primary gateway for domestic flights to the Banks Islands
- Major runway resurfacing project was completed in 2017
- Equipped with dedicated cold storage for perishable air cargo
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pekoa Cargo Center (6)
Banban transfiguration parish
A Catholic parish in Banban on Espiritu Santo.
Flower Garden Water Music
A garden with water features and music on Espiritu Santo.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Frachtzentrum Pekoa?
It is a central logistics hub for air freight on Espiritu Santo.
Can you visit the cargo center?
No, it is a strictly operational area without visitor facilities.
Why is this location important?
It ensures the island's supply chain and export of goods.
Where exactly is Pekoa located?
It is located in the immediate vicinity of Luganville airport.
What is mainly handled there?
Mainly agricultural produce and essential supplies.
Pekoa Cargo Center: where is it located?
Pekoa Cargo Center is located in Vanuatu.
Pekoa Cargo Center: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pentecost church, Banban whitewood christian fellowship, Banban transfiguration parish.
Pekoa Cargo Center: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Pekoa Cargo Center: why is it worth visiting?
The Pekoa Cargo Center at Pekoa International Airport in Luganville is Vanuatu's second-most important air logistics hub.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Port Vila City Hall
The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.
Luganville Airfield
A massive military airfield constructed by the US on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Avenger Wreck
The underwater wreck of a US Navy TBF Avenger torpedo bomber located near Santo.
PBY Catalina Wreck
The wreck of a US PBY Catalina flying boat that sank in the Segond Channel during World War II.
Million Dollar Point
A historic underwater graveyard off Espiritu Santo, where the US military dumped equipment after World War II.
SS President Coolidge
A former luxury liner and troop transport of World War II that sank in 1942 after hitting US mines.
Northern District Hospital
The Northern District Hospital in Luganville is the main health center for the northern islands.
SBD Dauntless Wreck
A US dive bomber that crashed off the coast of Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Nature
Aore Island Reefs
The coastal waters of Aore are rich in brain corals and provide habitats for diverse marine invertebrates.
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Riri Blue Hole
Riri Blue Hole is accessible via a shallow river creek rich in mangroves and riparian vegetation.
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Bokissa Island Marine Reserve
A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.
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Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu is one of the largest blue holes on Santo, known for its lush mangroves lining the banks.
Ratua Wildlife Reserve
Ratua combines sustainable tourism with the protection of wild horses and tropical bird species.
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Circe Blue Hole
A lesser-known blue hole distinguished by its deep sapphire color and surrounding undisturbed wilderness.
Oyster Island Mangroves
This small island near Santo hosts an important ecosystem for oysters and other shellfish within its mangroves.
Malo Peak
Malo Peak is the highest elevation on the island of Malo.
More places
Santo Meat Packers
The primary meat processing facility in Luganville, packing premium beef for export to markets like Japan.
Pekoa Airport Terminal
The Pekoa Airport terminal serves Luganville and the island of Espiritu Santo.
Million Dollar Point Reef
US military equipment dumped after WWII has created a unique artificial reef with high marine biodiversity.
SS President Coolidge Reef
The wreck of the SS President Coolidge is now a massive artificial ecosystem for marine life off Espiritu Santo.
SS President Coolidge Wreck
The wreck of this luxury liner, sunk during WWII, is one of Vanuatu's most famous historical landmarks.
Luganville Wharf
The country's second-largest port on Espiritu Santo, serving as a hub for exporting copra, beef, and cocoa.
Santo War Memorial
This memorial in Luganville honors those who served on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
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Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station
This facility provides most of the electricity for Luganville, reducing reliance on expensive imported diesel fuel.