Solomon Airlines has advised its flagship Airbus A320 is now expected to return to full service on 30 April.
In a statement the Airlines said, originally it was scheduled to return to service on 13 April, the A320 is currently undergoing a scheduled annual maintenance in Manila, Philippines.
Solomon Airlines’ General Manager of Operations & Commercial, Gus Kraus said, last night the further delay was attributable to parts deemed as necessary for one of the aircraft’s engines having to be sourced from Germany and Singapore.
“Given the time taken to source those parts, it was deemed prudent while the aircraft was on the ground to attend to some phased maintenance now instead of the next service scheduled in February 2016,” Mr. Kraus said.
“This will ensure a fully serviced A320 during the period ahead between now and February 2016.”
In the meantime Solomon Airlines General Manager Operations said that the service will continue to operate the chartered Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 it has been using on its four weekly Honiara-Brisbane services and weekly services to Port Vila and Nadi, Fiji.
“We again sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this situation may be causing our passengers,” Mr Kraus said.
“But we do need to reiterate this maintenance program is part of a standard annual plan only delayed through sourcing of parts related to the checks and in complete keeping with our extremely high safety standards.”
However Mr Kraus advised all passengers seeking updated information should visit Solomon Airlines website located at www.flysolomons.com or contact airlines for further updated information.
By DENVER NEWTER
