NATIONAL flag carrier Solomon Airlines will commence direct flights with its airbus A320 between Port Vila and Auckland as of Monday, 27th of May, 2024.
“The airline will commence direct flights between Port Vila and Auckland from 27 May, using Solomon Airlines aircraft to continue air services linking Vanuatu and New Zealand,” a statement issued last weekend by Solomon Airlines said.
This comes after Air Vanuatu faced financial difficulties and went into liquidation.
Because of this situation, Solomon Airlines together with the Vanuatu government has worked closely with relevant New Zealand authorities to continue an interim flight service for the Auckland- Port Vila route.
“This included responding to charter requests to ensure seasonal workers and stranded tourists are able to move between the two nations following the news of involuntary liquidation.”
Solomon Airlines was previously operating on behalf of Air Vanuatu between Port Vila and Auckland on Mondays, and Auckland and Port Vila on Tuesdays, as part of an extensive Pacific partnership between the carriers, which included a codeshare to supplement Air Vanuatu’s existing operations.
The service is expected to increase to a twice a week service as of July.
“The schedule will commence from 27 May, anticipating twice-weekly flights between Honiara, Port Vila and Auckland from 1 July.
“IE710 will operate from Port Vila to Auckland on Mondays at 5:50pm arriving in Auckland at 10:05pm and IE711 will depart Auckland on Tuesdays at 12pm, arriving in Port Vila 2:15pm,” Solomon Airlines said.
Turning 62 this year, Solomon Airlines is one of the oldest airlines in the Pacific region and it is committed to ensuring easy flight access for Solomon Islanders, Solomon Islands visitors and friends, Solomon Islands our seasonal workers and corporate travellers who need to move within the region in the long-term.
Solomon Airlines said it is aware of the importance of efficient and direct air services linking Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Zealand to its many stakeholders.
“The airline remains committed to working in partnership with Air Vanuatu together with the Vanuatu Government and current administrators to provide support while the necessary processes are being followed as the country work towards the return of its national carrier, Air Vanuatu.
“Solomon Airlines remains committed and look forward to the resumption of Air Vanuatu and Solomon Airlines strong mutual relations going forward,” it said.
