Marking what it says represents one of the most important milestones in its 52-year history, Solomon Airlines has been awarded IATA Operational Safety Audit Certification (IOSA).
Announcing the news from the airline’s Honiara head office, Solomon Airlines’ Chairman of the Board of Directors, Denton Rarawa said the IATA award represented a major achievement.
“The implications this world standard safety accreditation has for Solomon Airlines from the perspective of aviation safety are tremendous and will play a key role in the efforts we are going to in order to achieve our long term ambition of full IATA membership,” Mr Rarawa said.
“The IOSA Certification means a much stronger commercial alliance with our regional and international partners and we can now proudly take our place alongside other fellow IOSA-accredited airlines.
“Looking forward, we are hopeful this certification will also mean much an increase in IATA interline partnerships.
“We fully appreciate and take very seriously the implications this IATA recognition represents for Solomon Airlines, the destination’s tourism and business sectors and ultimately, the people of the Solomon Islands.”
Mr Rarawa paid particular tribute to Solomon Airlines CEO, Captain Ron Sumsum for what he described as the CEO’s dedication and foresight in helping the airline achieve the IOSA certification.
Captain Sumsum said he was extremely pleased with the result. He now plans requesting an immediate IATA review intended to see Solomon Airlines build on its current associate membership and achieve full IATA status.
Meanwhile, in other Solomon Airlines’ news, General Manager Operations & Commercial, Gus Kraus said the carrier has forged strong commercial partnerships with Qantas Airways and Air New Zealand.
“This gives us a unique opportunity to aggressively market the Solomon Islands throughout Australia and New Zealand“ Mr Kraus said.
“We recently added the majority of Asian countries as well as linking the UK/Europe, the Middle East and USA with our partner airlines.
“This is indicative of the recognition we are receiving from other IOSA accredited international carriers.”
