Solomon Airlines Announces Planned Maintenance For Dash 8

Solomon Airlines advised today that its Dash 8 aircraft has been taken temporarily out of service as part of a scheduled maintenance program.

The national carrier’s General Manager Operations & Commercial, Gus Kraus said the maintenance program is standard practice for the aircraft and requires engineers to perform a ‘hot section’ inspection procedure on the aircraft’s engine.

This, he said, required taking the Dash 8 into the hanger at Honiara International for its engine to be removed and inspected, a procedure taking at least five to seven days to complete.

“Scheduled maintenance of our aircraft is a regular requirement depending on hours flown or specific time related events,” Mr Kraus said.

“The maintenance of a stringent safety culture is paramount to Solomon Airlines and one which benefits our valued clients and the travelling public.” 

The airline has engaged maintenance provider Vector Engineering to assist the airline’s own engineers with engine removal and examination.

“We hope to have the engine in readiness for final approval as soon as possible and a return to flying duties by early next week,” Mr Kraus said.

In the meantime Mr Kraus advised the Dash 8’s schedule will continue to be operated by Twin Otters and Islander aircraft. 

“We apologise to anyone who may be inconvenienced by this situation but we wish to reiterate that in general, we do not believe this will create too much impact on our valued passengers beyond a change of aircraft type,” he said.

Mr Kraus encouraged the travelling public to keep in touch with Solomon Airlines via the airline’s 177 dedicated toll free number or the sales office on 20152 or 20031 for further updates as to when the Dash 8 maintenance schedule will be completed and the aircraft returned to full service.