Solomon Airlines announced today that CASA Australia (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) has finally approved their FAOC (Foreign Air Operators Certificate) application which now gives them their operating licence to commence scheduled flights to and from Brisbane.
The airline indicated that it has a contract with Our Airline which will end on Sunday's flight, 11th September 2011.This will give the airlines time to bring back the Solomon Islands SP Games contingent from Noumea - the first flight is due to return late this afternoon. The final contingent will be flown over this Sunday.
The new Solomon Airlines airbus will return to Brisbane that afternoon to commence its first commercial scheduled flight on Monday morning the 12th September from Brisbane to Honiara and return.
On Friday 9th September, it plans to operate to Port Moresby as part of its "proving flights" which will endorse pilots flying that route. This is important should the airline decide to take up its approval for 3rd and 4th Freedom for Honiara-Port Moresby.
The spokesman indicated that invites have been delivered to business houses, community leaders and some Government dignitaries to join a small reception on arrival at Jacksons airport Port Moresby from 10am to 12noon tomorrow.
The spokesman indicated that the Airbus will operate to Nadi and Vila on Saturday as part of its final proving flights. Onboard will be a small group of invited guests and senior staff as well as nominated junior staff who will all be treated to similar small receptions at Nadi and Port Vila before returning on Saturday evening to Honiara.
The airline welcomed the news of its approval and is looking forward to commencing operation next Monday to begin the journey of recreating its aim of being the "best little Airline in the Pacific".