Solomon Airlines will introduce its pre-Christmas special, where return tickets to Brisbane will cost SBD$1999 inclusive of taxes, for about three weeks in November.
This was revealed by the Solomon Airlines Commercial Services Manager, Mr. Gus Kraus, during the unveiling of the new look of the Solomon Airline's Sales office in Honiara.According to Mr. Kraus, Solomon Airlines will also increase its international weekly flights to four instead of its usual three during the upcoming Christmas period.
He also stated that it is challenging for the Solomon Islands economy to have three airlines landing in a day as "it's stretching the resources in the country....but that is competition."
Mr. Kraus said Solomon Airlines does not have any problem with competition stating that "we are now competing against Sky Air World and Virgin Blue." He also stressed, that since 1987 Solomon Airlines has been carrying the flag of Solomon Islands and had spent millions in prioritizing the country.
The Airlines CEO, Mr. Ron Sumsum said that this year has been a tough year for Solomon Airlines because of the competition and other restricting factors, one of which is land dispute.
"The Government and its partners need to work with Solomon Airlines to improve this situation. Even though Solomon Airlines has a long way to go, it still faces a lot of challenges especially the land issue, that is affecting our operations and tourism in general," the CEO stated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kraus also revealed that by February or March 2009, Solomon Airlines will permanently increase its weekly flights to four from the original three. Other plans include; increase publication of its in-flight magazine to four instead of three per year; introduction of a web engine and moving the Solomon Airlines head quarters to the Henderson Airport.