Solomon Islands National Carrier, Solomon Airlines has announced that its Dash 8 aircraft has been delayed by two days due to technical work on the aircraft's HF radio in Greece.
The 36-seater dash 8 is now scheduled to arrive in Honiara on Wednesday 14 November.Solomon Airlines' General Manager Operations and Commercial Service, Gus Kraus says the installation of the aircraft's HF radio had taken longer than expected because of upgrading of components.
"We were informed of this change last night and have moved the anniversary celebrations to Wednesday 14."
The $40m Dash 8 is scheduled to leave Greece this Sunday (Solomon Islands time).
"This is subject to any further advice at time of planned departure."
The dash 8 has been named 'Megapode' to commemorate Megapode Airways, which was the precursor to Solomon Airlines, set up in 1962 by Australian aviator Laurie Crowley as a charter service between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Its arrival will be the highlight of Solomon Airlines' 50th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, which will include the opening of the airline's new head office at the Henderson Cargo Terminal.
The new office complex will see the airline centralize its operations by bringing staff under one roof.
The airline's other 50th anniversary events include a two-month long 50 percent discount on airfares for domestic and international travel, a charity drive for the gynecology and emergency wards of the National Referral Hospital and an awards scheme to recognize long service staff.
Source: Press Release, Solomon Airlines