Suavanao is a commissioned airport that remains in the airline’s radar for further development because of its potential to boost tourism activities.
Speaking before the Public Accounts Meeting (PAC) at the National Parliament conference room on Tuesday, Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Captain Ron Sumsum revealed that Suavanao in Isabel province is a key area for them to develop as far as tourism is concerned.
The CEO stated that three weeks ago an airline delegation met with Isabel provincial government to dialogue over Suavanao’s airport, a first time in history of Solomon Airline to meet with a provincial government.
The CEO further stated that Suavanao has the potential market for the airline business as economic activities in the area includes prospecting, logging, fisheries, and tourism will continue to attract movement of people in and out of the area.
Sumsum continued by saying that they are closely looking at improving the airfield for the service of Dash 8 which would be more sufficient for the area in terms of capacity wise.
“Only if Isabel meets requirement and processes done for us then we more than happy to participate,” he said.
“We look forward for Dash 8 to service the area,” he added.
He said, that upgrading of several provincial airports to cater for Dash 8 services will boost economic activities both for the rural areas and the Solomon Airline, seeing that their demand to fly Dash 8 to a good number of airports remains a priority for the airlines.
By AATAI JOHN
