A change in demand on the Sydney-Honiara route due to ongoing issues with aircraft has led to the temporary suspension of Solomon Airlines’ Sydney services.
Effective 17 May 2016, the airline will cease its weekly Sydney flight until further notice.
The announcement comes a little over three months after the carrier initially paused the service due to planned maintenance of its flagship A320.
Solomon Airlines’ General Manager Operations and Commercial, Gus Kraus, said the carrier’s absence in the market plus economic slowdowns in Australia and the Solomon Islands has had an impact on the airline’s passenger loadings ex-Sydney.
He continued, saying the decision was not “taken lightly”, but stressed the carrier has every intention of re-entering the market.
“I do need to stress this is a temporary measure and we are intending to re-enter the market at a later date once we see that market conditions are on the improve.”
Gus Kraus, Solomon Airlines General Manager Operations and Commercial
“In the interim period we already have plans in place to re-introduce the Sydney service based on seasonal demand.”
The review, Mr Kraus said, would be undertaken by Solomon Airlines and its partners as well as Solomon Islands Department of Tourism and the Visitors Bureau and local stakeholders.
“We will be advising further as soon as our review process has been undertaken.”
