Solomon Island Airbus makes first proving flight to Port Moresby - Papua New Guinea.

Story by MOFFAT MAMU

SOLOMON Airlines new airbus aircraft yesterday successful made its first proving flight to Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea as part of testing the route.

A good number of guests led by Minister of Culture and Tourism Samuel Manetoali and Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ron Sumsum made a two hours flight from Honiara to Port Moresby and made a two hours stopover at Jackson Airport in Port Moresby.

The delegation left at 9am yesterday and returned to Honiara at 4pm.

Guests of honour at the welcome reception hosted by Solomon Airlines office in Port Moresby was acting Prime Minister (PM) of Papua New Guinea Belden Namah.

Speaking at the occasion the acting PM expressed gratitude over the continuous relationship both PNG and Solomon islands have in terms of the airlines industry.

Minister Manetoalis said the arrival of the aircraft reaffirmed Solomon Airlines commitments towards improving services in the country.

He said it's a milestone for the airlines industry.

CEO Sumsum said it was another achievement for the airlines having to go through a lot of challenges over the past years.

At Jackson airport guests from PNG were able to visit the aircraft with many acknowledging the aircraft, its design and its interior.

Former PNG high commissioner to Solomon Islands Parai Tamei who was also present at the ceremony acknowledged the new aircraft saying it's a wonderful achievement by the airlines industry.

He said the aircraft has a good length and size.

After the reception locals guests then boarded the aircraft for their two hours return journey.

Minister Manetoali prior to disembarking the aircraft at Honiara international airport thanked everyone who went on the proving flight.

The second proving flight will take off this morning to Nadi, Fiji and then to Port Vila, Vanuatu before returning to Honiara.

A lot more guests are expected to go in this trip leaving around 8am and returning at 7pm.

Apart from Brisbane as the main route the new airbus will operate to these three destinations in the near future when formalities are done, says General Manager Operations and Commercial Gus Kraus.

The new aircraft will fly to Noumea, New Caledonia on Sunday to bring the final lot of Team Solomon contingent.

It will then return to Brisbane on Sunday evening and resume its first commercial service for the Brisbane-Honiara-Brisbane route on Monday.

 

source: http://www.solomonstarnews.com