MEDIA RELEASE

21th June 2010

OUR PILOTS NOW QUALIFIED ON DASH 8

Solomon Airlines are proud to confirm that their very own Pilots are now qualified on the Dash 8 aircraft as First Officers.

Captain Scott Gamiandu was the first one to qualify and returned to active duties flying the Dash8 in Solomon Islands from March this year after training with Airlines PNG for some 3 months prior to qualification.

“Captain Gamiandu is doing so well according to the other Airlines PNG Captains he is flying with that we will be recommending to Airlines PNG that after he completes his mandatory aircraft type experience, he should be up for his Command/Captain’s endorsement on the Dash 8 aircraft. This is expected in the next month or so and further training in PNG will be required to move from the right seat to the Captain’s seat on the left.” The airline spokesman said.

Captain Gibson Galo, the Chief Pilot of Solomon Airlines has also recently returned from PNG after some months of training by Airlines PNG.

The basic training involved revalidating their PNG CAA Licence and also ground schools to understand the basic requirements of the aircraft then onto simulator training in Melbourne and onto line training with a training Captain under the Airlines PNG Training regime.

Solomon Airlines indicated that “this is the beginning of a new era in qualifications of this aircraft type in our Domestic market and will pave the way for future fleet planning for Solomon Airlines.” The statement maintained.

“We are proud of our two new Dash 8 qualified pilots and together with our already three approved Flight Attendants; we hope that the next stage of development is to seek Command Training for Captain Gamiandu followed by Captain Galo when he has completed his mandatory time on this aircraft type.” The airline confirmed.

“Very soon we hope to advise on the training requirements of our engineers to achieve Dash8 Engine and Airframe as well as Avionics conversions. The Dash8 has one of the larger turbo prop engines with the Pratt & Whitney PW120 engines whereas the Twin Otters operate the PW 27 engines.”

The above was confirmed by an airline statement release on the weekend.

 

 
MEDIA RELEASE

26th May 2010

SOLOMON AIRLINES RECRUITS AIRLINE STAWART FOR PNG

Solomon Airlines announced today that it has recruited an Aviation professional with the appointment of Mr. Howard Lahari MBE for the new position of Regional Manager Papua New Guinea.

A Solomon Airlines spokesperson indicated that “we have been in discussions with Howard for a while now and only recently, and in line with the opening last Friday of the new Solomon Islands Chancery in Port Moresby, we finally agreed on terms for his appointment.”
 
The spokesperson continued that “finding the right person was imperative in our future in PNG and we believe now with Howard’s appointment, we have the right person for the right job.”

“Mr Lahari’s track record in Air Niugini for many years is well known and little more needs adding on except that he also adapted well whilst operating is his roles with Regional Air and later Heavy Lift, as well as with assisting from time to time in National Aviation Services’ small regional charter business throughout the Central and Oro Provinces as well as the Gulf and Western Provinces”. The spokesperson added.

‘Howard will seek to develop our new entry into Port Moresby from Honiara in the Solomon Islands which is expected to commence circa July 2010 subject to approvals from Regulatory stakeholders in PNG which we are working closely with’.

“It is imperative that Solomon Airlines operates this route as the agreement with Air Niugini to purchase 10 seats on each flight in each direction has not eventuated although agreed to last year” the spokesperson said.

“In any case, Solomon Airlines needs to ensure that the current leased Dash8 from Airlines PNG gets to Port Moresby weekly for some TLC in the hangar and with this service, it will achieve that aim thus potentially reducing engineering costs in Solomon Islands yet ensuring the aircraft is returned for another week in good operating order.” The spokesman said.

Howard’s main priority will be to assist in developing new business on the Thursday weekly services from Port Moresby to Honiara by encouraging both sporting and religious groups and assist in return bookings for students currently studying under the PNG assistance program in several institutions in PNG.

The airline concludes that ‘we are very happy that Mr Lahari came on board and look forward to his contributions ahead’.

 
MEDIA RELEASE

21st May 2010

SOLOMON AIRLINES ANNOUNCES INTENT TO OPERATE PNG ROUTE

Solomon Airlines confirmed today that it is actively seeking to commence operating the Honiara to Port Moresby v.v. route in July subject to Government approvals and its application to PNG CAA for a Foreign Air Operators Certificate (FAOC).

A solomon airlines spokesperson indicated that the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Honourable Dr. Derek Sikua, will be officiating at the opening of the new Chancellery of the Solomon Islands High Commission on Friday morning and this will signal a new era for Solomon Islands-Papua New Guinea relations as it is believed that the Prime Minister will be in discussions with his counterpart, the Right Honourable Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare regarding these developments.

The spokesperson further iterated that “the new service will be operated by a leased Airlines PNG (APNG) Dash8 aircraft with Solomon Airlines Cabin crew and pilots trained in PNG and operating under APNG standards and certification approvals.”

“It is imperative that Solomon Airlines operates this route as the agreement with Air Niugini to purchase 10 seats on each flight in each direction has not eventuated although agreed to last year” the spokesperson said.

The Governments of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are mandating the two National Carriers to work more closely together as part of the push to consolidate the affairs of the MSG (Melanesian Spearhead Group) and in a bold move by Solomon Airlines, it indicated that the resumption of Airline services from Solomon Islands to PNG is part of this mandate and ensures that better and fuller corporation and services will hopefully expand the market base and grow the market to the benefit of both airlines.

“Solomon Airlines needs to ensure that the current leased Dash8 from Airlines PNG gets to Port Moresby weekly for some TLC in the hangar and with this service, it will achieve that aim thus potentially reducing engineering costs in Solomon Islands yet ensuring the aircraft is returned for another week in good operating order.” The spokesman said.

“The Dash8 in service has a fully integrated IFE (In-flight Entertainment system) and our clients will be able to relax and enjoy movies supplied which will potentially reduce the perception that it is a longer flight. In addition, this service will be a “full service flight with NO MORE TO PAY”. The airline continued.   

Mid week services will connect nicely to Japan and Manila and the airline is in discussions with Air Niugini on how best to promote this new connection.

 

 
MEDIA RELEASE

22nd February 2010

New Marketing and Promotions Manager

Solomon Airlines has taken on board a new Marketing & Promotions Manager with the recent appointment of Mr. Vivian (Viv) Wickham.

Viv comes to Solomon Airlines a number of years with BAT (Solomon Island Tobacco Company) wherein he was the Business Development Executive and was the previous Marketing manager with SIFF (Solomon Islands Football Federation.)
 

Viv holds a Bachelor of Sports Management degree at the University of Technology in Auckland, New Zealand and has had much BAT training based on their world class Management training programs including site visits to overseas facilities including Papua New Guinea and Australia.

The appointment is part of the company’s restructure plans approved by the Board of Directors of Solomon Airlines Limited and is one of a number of changes planned for implementation in 2010.

The General Manager Operations & Commercial for the airline said “the appointment is timely as for most part of the past 18 months, we have been consolidating our affairs and although badly needing someone with Viv’s talent on board, we decided to wait for 2010 prior to making this substantive position appointment.” Gus Kraus said.

Gus continued “Viv’s position is highly important in our business and whilst he has no immediate airline experience, with his previous two roles in BAT and SIFF, we believe that this will hold him well in this new portfolio and he will pick up quickly in our business moving forward.”

Viv commenced two weeks ago and has been busy organising new Advertising campaigns and will be at the forefront of the Annual FlySolomons Half Marathon now being promoted to commence in September this year, as well as getting on board the Travel Shows planned for 2010 together with SIVB. Planning is already moving forward for the Shanghai World Expo and the Pacific Pavilion in which Solomon Islands, amongst other hosted Pacific nations will be featured.

In addition, the Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange (BFTE) will also be part of the road map for Solomon Airlines to participate with SIVB and Viv will be leading the Solomon Airlines Campaign to get wholesaling and retaining exposure to the world of travel making sure we focus on the product of Solomon Islands through Solomon Airlines.

 
MEDIA RELEASE

27th January 2010

SOLOMON AIRLINES OUTSOURCES SECTIONS of NON-CORE ACTIVITIES

Solomon Airlines announced today that it will be closing down some of its non-core activities and outsourcing work previously done by these departments to local enterprises.

As a State Owned Enterprise operating as a commercial entity, one of the major challenges of the new Business Plan of Solomon Airlines is to review its core business and embark on a major change in the way it has been doing business in the past years, and align it accordingly with an appropriate organization structure and staffing requirement.

In line with the ongoing recovery and restructure plans and the new Business Plan 2010-2012 of Solomon Airlines which has been vetted and approved by the Board, the airline advised that the Property and Maintenance Department as well as the Mechanical Workshop Sections have recently been abolished, and the functions and activities now outsourced to local contractors. Consequently, the employees of these areas are being paid out as part of a redundancy package.

As is well known to us all, the airline said, increased competition and pressures for improvements to services, infrastructure and equipment, as well as improved work practices and performances; downsizing and re-organisation have become a necessary part of business for most companies throughout the world, including the aviation industry. Major carriers such as British Airways, Qantas and Virgin Blue including Air Pacific have recently experienced major reorganisations and downsizing, resulting in employees being laid off.

Other reviews will continue throughout the Company on an ongoing basis so as to compliment the airlines’ business improvement strategy.

The Board and Management have identified one of the major issues within Solomon Airlines as the need to “make change happen”.

Pressures on all airlines’ business models include “change” as one of the integral requirements to remain viable and Solomon Airlines is not unique in its endeavours to maintain a strong aviation business model within a committed service Industry.

 
MEDIA RELEASE

26th January 2010

DASH 8 UP FOR MAJOR MAINTENANCE

The new Dash8 operation, although going well since 07 December 2009, will be leaving for PNG to undergo a major Maintenance check called a “C-Check”.

This C-Check is due every several thousand hours and whilst Solomon Airlines indicates it’s been here only for a short while, it confirmed that Airlines PNG has the planning of Maintenance control of this P2 registered aircraft and they have slotted the Solomon Airlines’ Dash8 registered P2-MCQ for a Heavy Maintenance slot from mid to late February.

“Normally”, the airline said, “such heavy maintenance can take up to six (6) weeks so we have devised and reviewed our current schedule to cater for two Twin Otters and the Islander aircraft during this period of Maintenance as Airlines PNG indicated it cannot replace this aircraft with another in its fleet due to the increased workload driven by the LNG project and other mining contracts now allocated to Airlines PNG.”

The spokesperson further indicated that “luckily for us, it’s usually one of our quietest periods of the year and we believe that we are able to handle the planned maintenance without too much fuss and trust that no ‘unplanned ‘ maintenance will happen to our current fleet whilst the Dash8 is away.”

Solomon Airlines confirmed that during the period of Maintenance of the Dash8, it will not be paying the fees under the contract as ‘there will be no flying involved and this will help during our off-peak period noted.” The airline said.

Finally, the spokesman indicated, “an interim schedule will be published and available from our offices in the next few days and asks all its travelling clients to check to ensure times/flights etc are confirmed under the Interim schedule”.

The Interim schedule is expected to be effective from 14th February until 28th March at the latest and returns in time for our high Easter break season.

 

 
MEDIA RELEASE

27th November 2009

SOLOMON AIRLINES LIMITED SIGNS FOR LONGER TERM DASH8

Solomon Airlines confirmed today that it has signed a historic agreement to bring a Dash8 aircraft into its Domestic operation from the 7th December and will remain part of its fleet for a longer term.

This aircraft will be leased from Airlines PNG, a privately listed company on the PNG Stock Exchange which was previously owned by the Wild family, long time residents in PNG since the early 50’s.

The lease is for a period two (2) years with a further option of two further years subject to the continued expansion of capacity to be equally met by the traffic demand internally.

“The aircraft will give Solomon Airlines the added capacity required to meet the growing trends indicated on its Domestic route and will allow for future capacity expansion to handle larger volumes of Tourism expected in the coming years”...and airline spokesman said.

“Naturally, and as a flow-on effect of our decision to secure a dedicated Airbus A320 service between Brisbane and Honiara, it goes without saying that our Domestic capacity must be equally grown to ensure that the ‘feeds’ into and out of our Domestic routes has to be somewhat matched by the larger capacity from/to Australia”.

“The beginning of the Dash8 aircraft into Solomon Islands was trialled in 2003/4; where Airlines PNG also supplied a Dash8 aircraft for short periods of time and this proved popular and effective but, this was not followed through to a longer term arrangement due to the Tension’ period and a slowing in the Economy”. The airline indicated.

“More recently, in January and February of 2009, the airline brought in a Vincent Aviation Dash8 aircraft from New Zealand which also proved popular with our domestic market travellers. This was again only to meet the peak after Xmas seasonal demand.” The spokesman continued.

The airline however indicated that for this aircraft type to become a long term financial and economic success, the Government must continue to play its role in the development of better Tourism infrastructure including better upgraded runways for the prime airstrips already identified for the Dash8 being: Seghe; Munda and Gizo in the west; as well as Auki; Kirikira and Santa Cruz in the north/east.

In addition, the airline is pushing to get access for the Dash8 aircraft into Taro (Choisul) as well as Suavanao (Ysabel) and Rennel (Renbel) and possibly Marau to the east of Guadalcanal.

This will ensure that the aircraft is able to fly longer hours and reduce its overall operational costs with other airstrips available.

Naturally, the airline added, these other airstrips are primarily located in areas where there is Tourism development and these need upgraded services with an airliner standard of aircraft but it also means that current resort developers are able to confidently plan into the future with a better level of service standard by the National airline.

“We need all of Solomon Islands and the business/corporate market and Government to get onboard this added new development to ensure we move forward with one of our main assets in this country being Tourism; and not forgetting the Governments call to commence replacing the logging revenues with Tourism” the Spokesman said.

The airline spokesman said that the new schedule, now ready to be implemented from the 7th December, will be circulated next week and be available for bookings and will see an operation of daily and twice daily flights to the west followed by 3 to 4 flights weekly to Auki and twice weekly to Kirkira and Santa Cruz from Honiara.

“This airliner standard of aircraft will be catering for up to 36 seats with a toilet in the forward cabin and some basic catering including juice and biscuits as well as Coffee and Tea on the longer flights together with a flight attendant to assist and service our travelling customers.” The spokesman said.

‘Progress is now upon us; and the airline is making this huge commitment and encourages the people and Government to follow suit with investing in our Domestic development and resources now being undertaken as a future investment for our people and country. We do not expect quick fixes or a massive turnaround in the fortunes of Solomon Airlines but careful planning and a tight control of expenses will allow the airline to grow its business given the right opportunities and support.” The airline summarised.

 
MEDIA RELEASE

23rd November 2009

PILOTS UNDER TRAINING ON DASH 8

The announcement last week regarding cabin crew training on Airlines PNG’s Dash8 aircraft has now been followed by an announcement from the National Carrier that two (2) of its senior pilots have also been selected and sent for Dash8 pilot training.

Similarly, and following the regulations of CAA-PNG and Airlines PNG standards, Solomon Airlines indicated that the two pilots, Captain Cornelius Vonseau and Captain Scott Gamiandu were selected to train on the Dash8 aircraft up to First Officer standard initially whilst they gain this aircraft type experience over a set period of time.

The two pilots have been in PNG for the past 2-3 weeks undergoing PNG regulations conversions and also initial Airlines PNG induction and introduction to the Dash8 and APNG procedures.

They are currently undergoing a ‘Dash8 Ground course’ in Maroochydore and will return to PNG for some familiarisation flights prior to going to Sydney for “simulator” training to complete the first phase of their Dash8 training.

Thereafter, Captains Vonseau and Gamiandu will undergo “line training” in PNG, flying with APNG pilots throughout their network prior to seeking to get an endorsement on this aircraft type.

“It is imperative that we, Solomon Airlines” begin the task of ‘skills’ training for this type of aircraft as there is no reason why we could not be flying this aircraft type ourselves in a few years”. The airline said.

Yet to be part of the ‘up-skilling’ required will be Engineering and Maintenance and the Maintenance Manager (Trevor Palmer), in charge of the Airlines’ Engineering facility, is about to visit Airlines PNG facilities and management to discuss a path of training for Solomon Airlines to achieve the skills set required to maintain this ‘high capacity’ aircraft through its own Engineers in the future.
 
Solomon Airlines advised that it expected to sign a contract/agreement to bring this aircraft into Solomon Airlines’ fleet within a very short time and hopefully by the first week of Dec to commence flying under the National Carrier’s banner for the Christmas rush soon to be upon the country.

 

MEDIA RELEASE

19 November 2009

SOLOMON AIRLINES LIMITED UNDERTAKES TRAINING ON THE DASH8

Solomon Airlines announced that it has sent three (3) flight attendants to Port Moresby for training on the Airlines PNG Dash8 aircraft in preparation of a possible long term arrangement for the Dash8 operations in Solomon Islands.

The Flight Attendants have been undergoing training for the past 3 weeks and involves being aligned to the Airlines PNG standards that is governed by CAA of PNG (Civil Aviation of PNG) as the aircraft is a PNG registered aircraft and will remain so for the duration of its lease.

The training will involve basic Aircraft endorsement and policies and procedures of Airlines PNG together with further training in First Aid; Emergency Evacuation and service standards on board as this aircraft only requires one (1) flight attendant on each flight.

The three cabin crew identified will give Solomon Airlines a seven day operation and will cover sick; and or recreational leave and days off.

The three selected crew include Carol Wickham; Paul Boka and Gordon Vuguni whom have all been internationally trained and very experienced flight attendants.

It is anticipated that once trained, and subject to their line training and release within the Airlines PNG system, they will accompany the aircraft on its delivery flight from Port Moresby to Honiara on or around the first week of December 2009. The airline indicated that although the final signature is as yet to be applied to the agreement, most of the technical and terms of the contract have been basically agreed to and Solomon Airlines is awaiting the final contract expected this weekend.

The airline indicated that when the final agreement has been executed, a new schedule will be immediately put into place from the beginning of December, or thereabouts, to cater for the immediate high internal Christmas travel expected.

The airline spokesman said Management “congratulated the crew as, according to Airlines PNG reports, they are doing extremely well to date and do not foresee any problems with their qualification on this aircraft type in the near future”.

 

MEDIA RELEASE

July 2009

Limited Fare Release

0.   Application

 

• Special economy fare for travel from Honiara to Brisbane and return. These fares apply for Round Trip journeys on Solomon Airlines’ international services.
• Sales and Ticketing effective immediately until available seats sold or Sales close on 26th July for travel commencing on/after 03rd August 2009 to 14th August2009. Travel must be completed by 17th August 2009.
• Fares: Return airfare to travel Honiara to Brisbane and return.

ALL IE FLIGHTS ONLY

Fare Basis:  320INTRO
Return Fare:  SBD320.00
Booking Class:  Q
Minimum Stay:   N/A
Maximum Stay:  Complete travel by 17th August

d. *Taxes: Applicable taxes and surcharges must be added to the fare amount. Total Fare must be SBD1599.00

1. Eligibility.

Persons applying for this fare must hold:-
a. A valid Passport
b. A valid Australian Visa of any type and required travel documents.
c. The visa Type must be sighted and noted in PNR before ticketing. 

3. Seasonality:

Fare applies for travel from 03 August 2009 to 14 August 2009.
Fare is NOT available for sale after 26th July 2009.

4. Flight Application.

Fares apply on ALL IE direct international services from Honiara to Brisbane and return only.

5. Reservations and Ticketing.

a. Reservations.
i. Reservations must be made in Q class not less than 1 day before departure. See paragraph O.c  (Application) above.
ii. Waitlist segment is not permitted. Note – waitlisted segments are not allowed to be ticketed.
iii. Open date segment is not permitted

b. Ticketing:
i. Tickets must be issued 24 hours after reservations. Auto cancellation policy will apply without notice.
ii. Fare Basis: See paragraph 0.c. (Application) above.
iii. Tickets must be issued on IE stock only.
iv. All Open Dated and Waitlisted segments are not allowed to be ticketed. All segments ticketed must be confirmed prior to issuing of tickets
v. Payment: Cash only.

5. Minimum Stay:  not applicable

7. Maximum Stay: complete travel by 17 August 2009.

8. Stopovers:      Not permitted.

9. Transfers:       Not permitted.

10. Construction and Combination.

a. Fare may not be combined to from RT/CT/OJ journeys
b. Fare may not be combined with domestic fare
c. End to end combination is permitted with domestic fares and must be shown      separately on the fare construction box of the ticket.

15. Sales Restrictions

Fares may be sold and ticketed by Solomon Airlines office in Honiara and it’s approved Agents only.

16. Changes/Refund/No-show

Changes not permitted
 Refunds:-
i. Ticket is non-refundable . (Use it or lose it)

18. Ticket Endorsements

Valid on ALL IE services only. NON REF/ Conditions apply.

19. Children and Infant Discounts.

a. Children (2-11) pay: full discounted fare as above adult.
b. Infant (less than 2years): charge 10% of the fare.
c. Accompanied infant with seat: charge full discount fare as above adult

20.General Conditions:

Solomon Airlines must approve of any advertising or sales material prior to release.
Solomon Airlines reserves the right to amend or withdraw this fare without notice; These fares will be class controlled according to the best judgement of the carrier and seats available for this fare may be limited when required at any time.

 

MEDIA RELEASE

20 July 2009

BRISBANE TO HONIARA SPECIAL

“AUD $115.00 Return Per/Person plus Taxes”

(Taxes approximately AUD $209.00 per person)

Available for sale up to 26 July 2009

Travel Brisbane to Honiara from 03 August 2009 – 14 August 2009

Return travel to Brisbane must be completed by 17 August 2009

Children 75% & Infants 10% of the above fare level

* This fare is only permitted to be sold and ticketed within Australia.

** Special conditions apply, once purchased fare is non-changeable and non-refundable.

 

For more information please contact Solomon Islands within Australia on 1300 894 311

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE

July 2009

Limited Fare Release

0.   Application

 

• Special economy fare for travel from Honiara to Brisbane and return. These fares apply for Round Trip journeys on Solomon Airlines’ international services.
• Sales and Ticketing effective immediately until available seats sold or Sales close on 26th July for travel commencing on/after 03rd August 2009 to 14th August2009. Travel must be completed by 17th August 2009.
• Fares: Return airfare to travel Honiara to Brisbane and return.

ALL IE FLIGHTS ONLY

Fare Basis:  320INTRO
Return Fare:  SBD320.00
Booking Class:  Q
Minimum Stay:   N/A
Maximum Stay:  Complete travel by 17th August

d. *Taxes: Applicable taxes and surcharges must be added to the fare amount. Total Fare must be SBD1599.00

1. Eligibility.

Persons applying for this fare must hold:-
a. A valid Passport
b. A valid Australian Visa of any type and required travel documents.
c. The visa Type must be sighted and noted in PNR before ticketing. 

3. Seasonality:

Fare applies for travel from 03 August 2009 to 14 August 2009.
Fare is NOT available for sale after 26th July 2009.

4. Flight Application.

Fares apply on ALL IE direct international services from Honiara to Brisbane and return only.

5. Reservations and Ticketing.

a. Reservations.
i. Reservations must be made in Q class not less than 1 day before departure. See paragraph O.c  (Application) above.
ii. Waitlist segment is not permitted. Note – waitlisted segments are not allowed to be ticketed.
iii. Open date segment is not permitted

b. Ticketing:
i. Tickets must be issued 24 hours after reservations. Auto cancellation policy will apply without notice.
ii. Fare Basis: See paragraph 0.c. (Application) above.
iii. Tickets must be issued on IE stock only.
iv. All Open Dated and Waitlisted segments are not allowed to be ticketed. All segments ticketed must be confirmed prior to issuing of tickets
v. Payment: Cash only.

5. Minimum Stay:  not applicable

7. Maximum Stay: complete travel by 17 August 2009.

8. Stopovers:      Not permitted.

9. Transfers:       Not permitted.

10. Construction and Combination.

a. Fare may not be combined to from RT/CT/OJ journeys
b. Fare may not be combined with domestic fare
c. End to end combination is permitted with domestic fares and must be shown      separately on the fare construction box of the ticket.

15. Sales Restrictions

Fares may be sold and ticketed by Solomon Airlines office in Honiara and it’s approved Agents only.

16. Changes/Refund/No-show

Changes not permitted
 Refunds:-
i. Ticket is non-refundable . (Use it or lose it)

18. Ticket Endorsements

Valid on ALL IE services only. NON REF/ Conditions apply.

19. Children and Infant Discounts.

a. Children (2-11) pay: full discounted fare as above adult.
b. Infant (less than 2years): charge 10% of the fare.
c. Accompanied infant with seat: charge full discount fare as above adult

20.General Conditions:

Solomon Airlines must approve of any advertising or sales material prior to release.
Solomon Airlines reserves the right to amend or withdraw this fare without notice; These fares will be class controlled according to the best judgement of the carrier and seats available for this fare may be limited when required at any time.

 

MEDIA RELEASE

01 July 2009

Solomon Airlines opens new Brisbane office

Solomon Airlines announced today that commencing next Monday 6th July, a new team has been appointed to take care of all its Australian Reservations and Sales activities based at its Brisbane International Airport Location.

The airline spokesman for the National Carrier, Solomon Airlines, indicated that “the future of Solomon Airlines moving forward in the Australian market is no longer a matter of representation by other service providers but more so about ‘controlling and developing our road map’ to a more sustainable and development role in our main source market base in Australia.”

“The CEO and the airline Board have been reviewing a number of options and proposals regarding the ‘way forward in our main market base’ and have now positioned the company’s resources to ensure that changes are made for the wellbeing of the airline into the future.” The spokesman said.

“The positioning of the new Reservations and Sales office in Brisbane now also ensures that the introduction of our very own Airbus A320 operation due to commence on the 3rd August will be given every opportunity to head in the right direction.” The statement indicated.

“With Toll Free lines to a central location and our own trained and experienced staff to handle any situation; this will ensure that Solomon Airlines is now better able to cater for all enquiries from Agents; to the travelling public and Tourism queries redirected for a more co-ordinated outcome.” The spokesman said. 

The team and contact details are noted below interested.

 

 

NEW OFFICE & NEW TEAM

Effective Monday 06 July 2009 Solomon Airlines will be opening its own fully dedicated Australian Reservation & Sales office located at Brisbane International Airport.

With the opening of this office; we also welcome aboard two new staff members to our Australian team joining Mike Ridge; our Operations Manager and the undersigned.

Janine Watson (Left) has been employed in the role of Reservations & Sales Supervisor.

Janine has extensive experience working previously with Qantas, Malaysian Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

Yolande Barton (Right) has been employed in the role of Reservations & Sales Consultant.

Yolande was previously employed with Consolidated Travel in Brisbane.

                 

Contact details for our new office are;

Solomon Airlines
Reservations & Sales Office
       
Level 1, Box 46
Brisbane International Terminal
Eagle Farm, Brisbane QLD 4007
Tel: 1300 894 311 (Australia Wide)
Tel: 3860 5883 (Local)
Fax: 07 3860 4351
Email: reservations@flysolomons.com
SITA: BNEZQIE

Operating Hours:  Monday to Friday 0900-1700

Our new team looks forward to welcoming you on-board Solomon Airlines and to the “Happy Isles”

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE

08 June 2009

At a brief ceremony yesterday (today); held in Solomon Airlines’ Engineering and Maintenance hangar at Henderson airport, Civil Aviation of Solomon Islands and PASO (Pacific Aviation & Security Organisation) presented the CEO of Solomon Airlines (the Accountable person); Captain Ron Sumsum; with the VERY FIRST Approved Maintenance Organisation Part 145 Certificate. (AMO Part 145) ever issued in Solomon Islands.

This is an historic occasion for the National Carrier as it strives to achieve a better and more accountable system of Maintenance Organisation not otherwise seen before in Solomon Islands.

Fittingly; PASO; under the guidance of Max Foon; a veteran CAA Airworthiness Inspector & Maintenance man and also a qualified Engineer himself based in Port Vila; has been reviewing the National Carriers’ manuals and system of Maintenance to meet the new Solomon Islands Civil Aviation Act 2008 governed by the newly applied New Zealand Rules and Regulations recently enacted by the Parliament of Solomon Islands.

George Satu, the Chief Flight Standards Officer of CAASI indicated that he was happy with the progress made by Solomon Airlines and congratulated the Maintenance Manager; Trevor Palmer and his Quality Assurance Manager; John Ross; and all the Maintenance Team at the hangar on their achievement of the Part 145 organisation approval and Certification process.

Max Foon from PASO indicated “both CAASI and PASO are proud of this little organisation in Honiara who have taken on board the mandatory change processes and have adapted themselves to moving this change forward into a new era of compliance and certification processes which now takes into account the new rules which have already been adopted in Vanuatu and PNG for some years now.”

George Satu further indicated that in addition to this milestone achievement; CAASI have also passed to Solomon Airlines its AOC (Air Operators Certificate) which is valid to December 2009 or until further reviews are completed by CAA of the airlines’ system to ensure compliance with the new Rules and Regulations now in existence and in transition from the old UK based system used in SI for many years prior. This AOC is the operating licence for Solomon Airlines to maintain operations in its Domestic network.

Both the above certification processes are valid until December 2009 at which time CAASI and PASO will undergo the final certification processes which will validate Solomon Airlines for several years instead of the interim certification now underway in the transition from the old rules and regulations to the newly enacted legislation now in force.

Solomon Airlines’ CEO Captain Sumsum paid special tribute to the good working relationship between the National Carrier and CAASI together with Paso and congratulated his team of Engineers and Maintenance personnel on a job well done.

‘In fact’; Captain Sumsum further implied; “the approval under Part 145 virtually means that the role of the AMO is now very defined and under this certification process; the Maintenance Organisation can now bid for and operate as a stand-alone Maintenance organisation applying for outside work and enjoying the fruits of operating a separate business within the company governed by the approvals it has rightfully gained as of this date”.

He further indicated “the job is not completed yet and we still have room for improvement.

The airline, including the Flight Operations department, still requires to meet the next set of deadlines which will ensure achieving its other Certification under the said new Rules and Regulations.

This will in turn eventually comply with Parts: 12, 19, 61, 91, 92, 108, 119, 121, 125, 135 and 139 certification.” He added.

In attendance at the small ceremony was the Minister of Tourism & Aviation as well as his new Permanent Secretary; Jeffrey Wickham; together with the Director of Civil Aviation; Mr Ben Kere and other airline Managers & employees.

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE

06 May 2009

Solomon Airlines confirmed today at a brief ceremony, that it has signed a strategic agreement to bring into its Brisbane operation, an Airbus 320-200 aircraft.

This aircraft will commence operation on the Brisbane to Honiara route from its first flight on the 3rd August 2009.

“The aircraft will give Solomon Airlines the added capacity required to meet the growing Tourism trends at somewhere around 18% increase annually; and also beds down certainty in the future of our International operation by securing a longer term arrangement that has capacity for growth”, the Chairman of Solomon Airlines said.

"Strategic Airlines, through its subsidiary Strategic Aviation, currently provides services to the Australian Defence Force and operates regular charter flights for other government and corporate customers within Australasia, with its Australian based Airbus A330-300.  It has previously operated charter flights to the Solomon Islands; recently through USP students returning home from University (USP) and thereafter; for Australian government operations to/from Australia and the Solomon Islands."

Strategic has publicly announced in the Australian media that it has ordered 2 (two) Airbus A320 aircraft which it indicates will be ready for operations by July 2009.

The Airbus aircraft is an EASA built joint consortium European manufactured aircraft that is fast becoming the aircraft of choice in the region with Jetstar and Tiger Australia using these extensively and Air Calin and Air New Zealand also having these aircraft extensively in their fleet.

Strategic Management indicated, “besides the virtues that the aircraft will now be able to carry much more cargo; subject to loads, it will be able to ensure tanker age of more fuel at a cheaper price in Brisbane, thus increasing revenue and decreasing operational costs….a win/win for Solomon Airlines” they intimated.

The Chairman of Solomon Airlines went on to espouse the deal as “what is required to kick start our National Carriers approach to wrestling business from competition and to cater for our own future by keeping in Solomon Islands, what belongs to Solomon Islands”.

“The Airbus aircraft will be crewed by Strategic pilots and the cabin will be exclusive manned by Solomon Islands personnel employed currently by Solomon Airlines. This is something long time in coming and we welcome this new addition to ensuring that our reputation from the past is brought back to life”, the airline chairman further explained.
 
“Naturally, we need all of Solomon Islands and the business/corporate market, and Government to get onboard this new development to ensure we move forward with one of our main asset’s in this country and not forgetting, we could ‘do with a little help from our frens in RAMSI whilst they are assisting our country’s future”  the chairman said.

An airline spokesman said that the new schedule, now under development and being circulated, will see an operation of Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Brisbane to Honiara with a direct return service to Brisbane at prime times.

Solomon Airlines further indicated that they have now advised previous partners, Our Airline, that the current agreement will cease on the 2nd August after that days’ operation but there is ongoing discussions regarding further capacity with the Our Airlines services via Honiara to Nauru weekly.

The spokesman further indicated that “whilst this may be seen by some quarters as a calculated risk, the airline further stressed that we currently operate three flights weekly with Our Airline on a not so good schedule; and we are now moving to a different operator and aircraft; still with three flights weekly with PRIME TIMES as a precursor to better meeting our clients travelling demands and schedules.

This includes greater connections from anywhere via Brisbane to Honiara and onwards through to our Domestic destinations and also; through Brisbane to the world and internal Australia and New Zealand.”

“This modern aircraft will be catering to 12 Business class clients and 144 economy passengers with COMFORT UNMATCHED on the route”. The spokesman said.

“Further more, now we shall have In-Flight Entertainment being movies and or music and HOT MEALS with NO MORE TO PAY”….an excited spokesman indicated.

‘Progress comes at a price and we believe price is relative to timing and rewards; and all this translates to “now is the right time (bottom of the cycle) and we anticipate the rewards will be there if we all get behind such a project.’

The airline made a final remark that “naturally, with the capacity this aircraft holds, our next step is to review how best we can commercially secure a Dash8 aircraft for the Domestic connections so as o maximise both advantages to our new found equation”…the airline summarised.

ENDS

 
MEDIA RELEASE

01 May '09

Solomon Airlines plans Internal Restructure

Solomon Airlines announced today that they have begun the long awaited company re-structure that will see some positional changes and streamlining of departments with effect from Friday 1st May.

The restructure had been approved through the board by Cabinet in December 2008 and comes as no surprise with current events unfolding of the serious financial impact in all areas throughout the world especially Aviation, and further creeping into the Solomon Islands economy.

The airline spokesman for the National Carrier, Solomon Airlines, indicated that “the future of Solomon Airlines is challenging at best and in order to meet these future challenges, the CEO and the airline Board have been reviewing a number of options and are now positioned to ensure that changes are made to ensure the wellbeing of the airline into the future.”

Part of the changes being applied is the streamlining of Executive Management from previously five positions down to two; and with a number of revised internal changes this will eventually meet the new Civil Aviation NZ Rules and Regulations that has now been enacted for Solomon Islands.

Compliance and Accountability is at the forefront of these changes with Mr Napoleon Padabela being moved into Corporate Safety, Security and Audit Administration reporting directly to the CEO and Mr Colin Sigimanu taking another key portfolio in being moved up to General Manager Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs.

Gus Kraus takes on added responsibility as General Manager Commercial & Operations overseeing administration of Flight Operations and Engineering but having Trevor Palmer-Chief Engineer and Gibson Galo-Chief Pilot, directly reporting to the CEO for Compliance matters.

The CEO indicated that “the challenges ahead are related to meeting and changing our internals to Comply with new rules and regulations as well as begin the long task to meet IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) by the end of 2010. IOSA is the highest authority in Safety and Compliance/conformity that International Airline standards have to meet and will streamline future approvals for airline to airline business transactions and passenger & cargo Transportation.

KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) are new contract additions to changing of mindsets and the team have all been advised of this enhanced inclusion which will ensure that there are “performance Targets” embedded in our change environment of doing business into the future.

ENDS

MEDIA RELEASE

2nd April’ 09

Solomon Airlines confirmed today that it’s new Website and booking Web-engine will be launched today, Friday 3rd April, and will be available to the general public from Monday 6th April.

The airline said “the new website – flysolomons.com is a standalone product and will cater for our whole inventory of information and whilst this has been tailored as a ‘user friendly’ product, it is a work in progress and will continue to develop until we get it right”.

Previously, Solomon Airlines were hosted as solair.com.sb and then further to solomonairlines.com.au . This will slowly be removed in total from access so as ‘pointers’ in the interim will show clients the correct Web URL to point to the new Website.

“This website” the airline continued, “will also host our new Booking Web-engine which will give clients the easy access of making ON-LINE BOOKINGS on the flysolomons website .

“This project has taken months of preparatory work including re-designing the website; and then locating a suitable portal to ensure our booking engine integrates with our current reservations system, thereby having a seamless transfer of information regarding what seats and or airfares are sold from the inventory.”

“The new website and web-engine will add value to our current array of products including booking and paying by credit cards and this can be applied for both International seats to/from Brisbane as well as our Intra-Regional routes and furthermore, Domestic reservations are also possible through our new system ONLINE .” The airline continued.

The airline indicated that a small Launching ceremony will be held on Friday afternoon after some final testing and the new system will then be available from Monday 6th April to the general public; and can be accessed from anywhere around the world giving further priority to marketing Solomon Airlines and Solomon Islands throughout the world.

Direct access will also be made available to major hotels and resorts as well as SIVB and other Tourism related directories that have websites for integration.

ENDS