Solomon Airlines launches inaugural trans-Tasman flight Auckland-Brisbane-Honiara connection

BY MAVIS N. PODOKOLO

Solomon Airlines has made history with the successful launch of its inaugural trans-Tasman flight, Auckland-Brisbane-Honiara, marking a significant step in enhancing international connectivity for the Solomon Islands.

The first flight on the airline’s new trans-Tasman route took off on Friday, February 21, linking Auckland to Brisbane with onward service to Honiara.

Solomon Airlines’ Commercial Manager, John Wopereis, highlighted the significance of the new route, stating:

“Today (Friday, February 21), we have opened the first Auckland-Brisbane-Honiara route. This makes it even easier for our people and products to move between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands via Brisbane. Additionally, this new route positions us competitively, providing more opportunities for growth while increasing competition among airlines.”

Wopereis emphasized that Solomon Airlines’ vision is to become the leading emerging airline in the Pacific.

“To achieve this, we must expand and push our boundaries by introducing new routes. Fortunately, we have a strong air services agreement with New Zealand, which enables us to do so. It is essential for our national carrier to capitalize on this opportunity. We have already seen significant traffic from New Zealand via Brisbane, so this new route simply makes it easier for passengers to connect on our aircraft,” he added.

At this stage, Wopereis said the airline’s focus is on building awareness, confidence, and trust in the new route.

“Solomon Airlines is our national carrier, so I encourage travelers to fly local. Every ticket purchase makes a difference, and we look forward to serving you as you travel to Australia, Vanuatu, and New Zealand.”

The Cathy Nori, the only Member of Parliament present at the event, congratulated Solomon Airlines on this milestone achievement on behalf of the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

“It is great to see this Auckland-Brisbane-Honiara route being reinstated. I’m really happy that Solomon Airlines has revisited this route because New Zealand is a country with which we share a long-standing traditional relationship, much like Australia. This connection should continue, and if Solomon Airlines sees it as profitable, why not? Now that we have two aircraft, we must explore routes that are beneficial for our airline.”Nori said.

In an official press statement, Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer welcomed the addition of the Solomon Airlines service.

“Brisbane is a great hopping off point for travellers looking to soak up Brisbane itself or head to the theme parks, beaches and hinterland destinations within driving distance. Plus with around 200,000 New Zealand expats living in Queensland – estimated to be close to 5% of the state’s population – there is plenty of travel back and forth to reconnect with friends and whānau.

“While markets such as the USA and China are now tracking above pre-COVID levels, trans-Tasman travel is still not fully recovered.

“At times the relatively tight trans-Tasman capacity has meant travellers have faced higher fares at key times in the year, so an increase in capacity and options for travellers is always welcome,” Tasker said.

The new flight departs from Auckland, New Zealand, makes a brief stop in Brisbane, Australia, and continues to Honiara, Solomon Islands. This route is designed to benefit both international visitors and Solomon Islands nationals, making travel more seamless for tourists and expatriates alike.

The event was attended by representatives of the Solomon Islands New Zealand community, Miss Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai, and Mr. Dereveke, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Solomons. Also present were Solomon Airlines Executive Members, Member of Parliament Cathy Nori, and members of the media.

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