SOLOMON Airlines has reached a new chapter in its history – the expansion of its fleet by a new airbus to serve other routes, more charters based on the country’s needs and those of neighbouring countries.
This was uttered by Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, on Thursday at the maiden arrival of Solomon Airlines second airbus A324 H4- SAL at the Honiara International Airport.
A jubilant Prime Minister Sogavare used the occasion to assure the board and management of the national flag carrier of the Government’s support for having proven themselves to be a strong board and management worthy of carrying the State-Owned Enterprise into the future.
In a packed VIP room of various stakeholders who were at hand to witness the maiden arrival, PM Sogavare, who was the Guest of Honour, described the occasion as a “beginning of a new chapter for Solomon Airlines.”
“It is a chapter of expanding our fleet to expand to other routes, serve more charters and our needs and that of our neighbours as well,” he elaborated.
PM Sogavare revealed that, “An agreement has been reached with our fellow Melanesian brothers of Vanuatu for extensive use of our airbuses.”
He added that Solomon Airlines is considering a fifth direct flight from Australia and a plan to re-enter the Papua New Guinea market.
Prime Minister Sogavare further revealed that proposals are considered for partnerships with both Samoa and Tonga and that discussions are also ongoing to tap into the Kiribati market.
PM Sogavare further outlined the government’s vision for Solomon Airlines to undertake.
These are “direct, non- stop, long- haul flights” to destinations outside of the Pacific region like Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines and China, he said.
In preparation for new business endeavours, Prime Minister Sogavare said Solomon Airlines will need to upgrade its fleet to “appropriate, fuel- efficient, wide- body aircrafts” that can take these long- haul flights.
He added that both the international airport and international terminal need to be expanded to accommodate these new services.
As such, PM Sogavare revealed that government is now in planning phase of the extension of the international airport to take a wide body of aircrafts.
He also revealed that the government of Peoples’ Republic of China has indicated willingness to partner in this project to enable a “new era of non- stop long- haul flights.”
Prime Minister Sogavare he underscored that the benefits of non- stop, long- haul flights include reduction of travel time, lessening travel visa requirements and “enhances travel conveniences for inbound and outbound passengers.”
He added that this project will have a positive impact on the tourism industry and ignite more investments into the country.
The new airbus A320, H4- SAL is leased from Jetstar Australia and National Provident Fund (NPF) provides the loan of USD3 million (approximately $26 million dollars) for Solomon Airlines to obtain the aircraft.
– PM’s Press Secretariat
