THE management and staff of Solomon Airlines formally farewelled their Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gus Kraus, who has successfully concluded his short-term contract last week.
Kraus whose 12-month term came to an end on Friday 18 August had achieved a lot for the country’s national flag carrier during this contract period.
The Airlines family got together for a farewell reception for Kraus and wife at which he was presented with a certificate of recognition for his contribution to the local airlines industry.
In a statement, Solomon Airlines said, “join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing CEO Gus Kraus for an incredible year of service!
“Gus has motivated us all with his relentless dedication to our airline, a standard for leadership that will continue to inspire us in the future.
“As we say goodbye to Gus and reflect on the successes we’ve shared and the progress we’ve established, we also thank his family for their support.
“We look forward to building on the foundation he has created as a leader and as an integral member of the Solomon Airlines family over many years. Tagio tumas Gus!” the statement said.
Many people have expressed their acknowledgment to Kraus for his contribution to the development of Solomon Islands in the airline industry.
Mr Kraus decided not to extend his contract after his contract came to an end.
The scout for a new CEO was launched last month through an advertisement.
Thus, a new CEO is expected to be announced soon once the Solomon Airlines Board successfully identifies one.
Mr Kraus was appointed after former CEO, Brett Gebers, concluded his term in the third quarter of last year.
Kraus has more than 54 years of experience in the airline industry.
He accepted the CEO’s role last year to oversee the airline’s ongoing operations and to lead the national carrier in restarting operations following the reopening of the international borders after the COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted.
Since his return, Kraus ensured that the airlines’ Dash-8 aircraft was back in our skies providing service.
He also struck the deals which has resulted in Solomon Airlines operating the Honiara-Vila-Auckland route and Air Vanuatu’s use of a Solomon Airlines twin otter aircraft for its domestic route services.
The recent the acquisition of Solomon Airlines second airbus – Airbus A320- was also another achievement attributed to Kraus and the airlines board.
The airbus is now serving the Honiara-Port Vila-Auckland route and Honiara-Brisbane route.
Solomon Airlines will also commence the Brisbane-Munda route in October.
By MOFFAT MAMU
