frigatebird
28th May 2010, 23:25
Dash 8 back on service - Solomon Star
Thursday, 20 May 2010 12:22
[/URL] (http://www.solomonstarnews.com/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb2xvbW9uc3Rhcm5ld3MuY29tL25ld3MvYnVzaW5 lc3MvNTk3MS1kYXNoLTgtYmFjay1vbi1zZXJ2aWNl)
THE leased Dash 8 aircraft which made a dangerous landing in Temotu over the weekend on Saturday is back operating normal services.
Solomon Airlines yesterday confirmed that the aircraft was fixed on Sunday and had returned to Honiara on Monday.
“It’s now back in operations since Tuesday,” an airlines spokesperson said yesterday.
However the aircraft will be rested today to allow some work to be done on it.
On Saturday Dash 8 pilots shut off one engine in mid air when one of the engines’ experienced leaks while on its way to Lata.
It landed with only one propeller working.
That incident scared off passengers who were on that flight.
The aircraft spent two days in Lata while engineers were flown to Santa Cruz to fix the problem.
It finally left Lata on Monday morning.
A source who earlier spoke to Solomon Star said he suspects that the main factor is unsealed airports.
“Dash 8 planes are mainly designed for sealed runaways, but here, it lands in rough and unsealed airstrips.
“Maybe that is one reason why the engines have to vibrate and cause leaking cracks in the engines during the landings and take offs,” he said.
Dash 8 since its introduction in the country had serviced four provinces namely Western, Makira, Malaita and Temotu.
This is because they are the only ones with airstrips that are capable of accommodating the Dash 8 range.
The aircraft is leased from Airlines PNG a privately listed company on the PNG Stock Exchange which was previously owned by the Wild family, long time residents in PNG since the early 50s.
The aircraft was introduced in December last year and will remain with the Solomon Airlines fleets for the next two years.
Since its introduction it had boost the tourism sector and domestic services.
Meanwhile the Civil Aviation is yet to receive a report by Airlines Papua New Guinea on the actual cause of the Dash 8’s near fatal incident on Saturday
By MOFFAT MAMU
Dash 8 to Moresby
Wednesday, 26 May 2010 11:13
(http://www.solomonstarnews.com/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb2xvbW9uc3Rhcm5ld3MuY29tL25ld3MvYnVzaW5 lc3MvNjEyNy1haXJsaW5lLXBsYW5zLXRvLW9wZXJhdGUtbW9yZXNieS1ob25 pYXJhLXJvdXRl)
SOLOMON Airlines is actively seeking approval to commence operating the Honiara-Port Moresby route with its leased Dash 8 aircraft starting in July.
But this is subject to government approvals.
An application from Solomon Airlines had been submitted to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a Foreign Air Operators Certificate (FAOC).
An airline spokesman said Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua, who was in Moresby last week to open the country’s chancery building, is believed to have held talks with his counterpart on that development.
“This will signal a new era for Solomon Islands-Papua New Guinea relations as it is believed that the Prime Minister will be in discussions with his counterpart, Sir Michael Somare regarding these developments,” the airline spokesman said.
He said the new service will be operated by a leased Airlines PNG (APNG) Dash8 aircraft with Solomon Airlines Cabin crew and pilots trained in PNG and operating under APNG standards and certification approvals.
“It is imperative that Solomon Airlines operates this route as the agreement with Air Niugini to purchase 10 seats on each flight in each direction has not eventuated although agreed to last year,” the spokesman said.
The governments of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are mandating the two national carriers to work more closely together as part of the push to consolidate the affairs of the MSG (Melanesian Spearhead Group).
“And the bold move by Solomon Airlines indicated that the resumption of Airline services from Solomon Islands to PNG is part of this mandate and ensures that better and fuller corporation and services will hopefully expand the market base and grow the market to the benefit of both airlines.
“Solomon Airlines needs to ensure that the current leased Dash8 from Airlines PNG gets to Port Moresby weekly for some TLC in the hangar and with this service, it will achieve that aim thus potentially reducing engineering costs in Solomon Islands yet ensuring the aircraft is returned for another week in good operating order,” the spokesman said.
The Dash8 service has a fully integrated IFE (In-flight Entertainment system) and passengers will be able to relax and enjoy movies supplied which will potentially reduce the perception that it is a longer flight. “In addition, this service will be a ‘full service flight with No More To Pay’,” the airline official said.
The mid week service will also connect nicely to Japan and Manila and the airline is in discussions with Air Niugini on how best to promote this new connection.
By MOFFAT MAMU
ASPA Meeting
Thursday, 27 May 2010 11:11
(http://www.solomonstarnews.com/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb2xvbW9uc3Rhcm5ld3MuY29tL25ld3MvYnVzaW5 lc3MvNjE3Mi1yZWdpb25hbC1haXJsaW5lcnMtaGVyZS1mb3ItbWVldA%3D%3 D)
OFFICIALS from top regional airlines in the region are in the country for the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA) annual general meeting (AGM) and conference.
The meeting will start this morning with Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua expected to address the participants at the official opening.
Last night a cocktail was also hosted for the participants.
Solomon Airlines has played host to the meeting and is believed this is the first time for such meeting to be held in the country,
Details of the meeting are not available.
But it is understand airline officials from member countries such as, Polynesian airlines, Air Niugini, Air Vanuatu, Air Pacific, and Qantas are expected at the opening.
A number of issues relating to regional airline cooperation are expected to be discussed.
Airlines also played an important part in the regional economies and tourism industry.
The Association of South Pacific Airlines was established at the directive of the South Pacific Civil Aviation Council, which met in Apia on 22-23 June, 1978.
The first meeting of regional airlines, held in Suva on 7-8 March 1979, formally agreed to launch the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA).
The inaugural meeting of ASPA took place in Suva on 30-31 May 1979, when the Articles of Association were adopted.
ASPA is a trade association, representing the interests of member airlines, and is operated on a not-for-profit basis.
Objectives of the association
(a) to promote cooperation among the Member airlines for the development of commercial aviation within, to and from the South Pacific region;
(b) to serve as a common forum for the articulation of Members’ views on matters and problems of common interest;
(c) to advise, where appropriate, the South Pacific Regional Civil Aviation Council through its Advisory Committee or any other regional or international bodies on any problems related to South Pacific aviation;
By MOFFAT MAMU
SolAir moves to Panatina Plaza
Wednesday, 26 May 2010 11:12
(http://www.solomonstarnews.com/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb2xvbW9uc3Rhcm5ld3MuY29tL25ld3MvYnVzaW5 lc3MvNjEyNi1zb2xhaXItbW92ZXMtdG8tcGFuYXRpbmEtcGxhemE%3D)
SOLOMON Airlines sales team has started moving into their new office location at Panatina Plaza.
Following the public holiday on Monday, airlines staff yesterday have been busy setting up at their new office space at Panatina Plaza, east of Honiara.
A check by the Solomon Star yesterday confirmed that office furniture and equipment have started arriving and staff were busy setting up their working desks.
Last week the Solomon Airlines logo was pasted up at the glass wall.
At the former sales office, a notice was also put up saying they are moving out and setting up at Panatina Plaza by June.
Solomon Airlines is renting out its Point Cruz based sales office to new mobile entrant bemobile.
The company had been using the office for some 30 years and it had spent money to tint its glass wall.
The location of the Sale office had made it convenient for clients to visit them to enquire and make bookings.
Details of why the move was taken to relocate were left under a carpet without proper explanation from the Airline’s top official.
There were claims the office was sold, while other reports suggest it was leased.
The move will see the new telecommunication company securing a prime spot for business as it prepares to roll out its service in the second part of this year.
The company currently operates out of a room at Heritage Park Hotel.
By MOFFAT MAMU
[U]
And when the hard-won assets have all been sold and converted to cocktails, who will do the air transport links in the National Interest then..?
Thursday, 20 May 2010 12:22
[/URL] (http://www.solomonstarnews.com/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb2xvbW9uc3Rhcm5ld3MuY29tL25ld3MvYnVzaW5 lc3MvNTk3MS1kYXNoLTgtYmFjay1vbi1zZXJ2aWNl)
THE leased Dash 8 aircraft which made a dangerous landing in Temotu over the weekend on Saturday is back operating normal services.
Solomon Airlines yesterday confirmed that the aircraft was fixed on Sunday and had returned to Honiara on Monday.
“It’s now back in operations since Tuesday,” an airlines spokesperson said yesterday.
However the aircraft will be rested today to allow some work to be done on it.
On Saturday Dash 8 pilots shut off one engine in mid air when one of the engines’ experienced leaks while on its way to Lata.
It landed with only one propeller working.
That incident scared off passengers who were on that flight.
The aircraft spent two days in Lata while engineers were flown to Santa Cruz to fix the problem.
It finally left Lata on Monday morning.
A source who earlier spoke to Solomon Star said he suspects that the main factor is unsealed airports.
“Dash 8 planes are mainly designed for sealed runaways, but here, it lands in rough and unsealed airstrips.
“Maybe that is one reason why the engines have to vibrate and cause leaking cracks in the engines during the landings and take offs,” he said.
Dash 8 since its introduction in the country had serviced four provinces namely Western, Makira, Malaita and Temotu.
This is because they are the only ones with airstrips that are capable of accommodating the Dash 8 range.
The aircraft is leased from Airlines PNG a privately listed company on the PNG Stock Exchange which was previously owned by the Wild family, long time residents in PNG since the early 50s.
The aircraft was introduced in December last year and will remain with the Solomon Airlines fleets for the next two years.
Since its introduction it had boost the tourism sector and domestic services.
Meanwhile the Civil Aviation is yet to receive a report by Airlines Papua New Guinea on the actual cause of the Dash 8’s near fatal incident on Saturday
By MOFFAT MAMU
Dash 8 to Moresby
Wednesday, 26 May 2010 11:13
(http://www.solomonstarnews.com/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb2xvbW9uc3Rhcm5ld3MuY29tL25ld3MvYnVzaW5 lc3MvNjEyNy1haXJsaW5lLXBsYW5zLXRvLW9wZXJhdGUtbW9yZXNieS1ob25 pYXJhLXJvdXRl)
SOLOMON Airlines is actively seeking approval to commence operating the Honiara-Port Moresby route with its leased Dash 8 aircraft starting in July.
But this is subject to government approvals.
An application from Solomon Airlines had been submitted to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a Foreign Air Operators Certificate (FAOC).
An airline spokesman said Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua, who was in Moresby last week to open the country’s chancery building, is believed to have held talks with his counterpart on that development.
“This will signal a new era for Solomon Islands-Papua New Guinea relations as it is believed that the Prime Minister will be in discussions with his counterpart, Sir Michael Somare regarding these developments,” the airline spokesman said.
He said the new service will be operated by a leased Airlines PNG (APNG) Dash8 aircraft with Solomon Airlines Cabin crew and pilots trained in PNG and operating under APNG standards and certification approvals.
“It is imperative that Solomon Airlines operates this route as the agreement with Air Niugini to purchase 10 seats on each flight in each direction has not eventuated although agreed to last year,” the spokesman said.
The governments of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are mandating the two national carriers to work more closely together as part of the push to consolidate the affairs of the MSG (Melanesian Spearhead Group).
“And the bold move by Solomon Airlines indicated that the resumption of Airline services from Solomon Islands to PNG is part of this mandate and ensures that better and fuller corporation and services will hopefully expand the market base and grow the market to the benefit of both airlines.
“Solomon Airlines needs to ensure that the current leased Dash8 from Airlines PNG gets to Port Moresby weekly for some TLC in the hangar and with this service, it will achieve that aim thus potentially reducing engineering costs in Solomon Islands yet ensuring the aircraft is returned for another week in good operating order,” the spokesman said.
The Dash8 service has a fully integrated IFE (In-flight Entertainment system) and passengers will be able to relax and enjoy movies supplied which will potentially reduce the perception that it is a longer flight. “In addition, this service will be a ‘full service flight with No More To Pay’,” the airline official said.
The mid week service will also connect nicely to Japan and Manila and the airline is in discussions with Air Niugini on how best to promote this new connection.
By MOFFAT MAMU
ASPA Meeting
Thursday, 27 May 2010 11:11
(http://www.solomonstarnews.com/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb2xvbW9uc3Rhcm5ld3MuY29tL25ld3MvYnVzaW5 lc3MvNjE3Mi1yZWdpb25hbC1haXJsaW5lcnMtaGVyZS1mb3ItbWVldA%3D%3 D)
OFFICIALS from top regional airlines in the region are in the country for the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA) annual general meeting (AGM) and conference.
The meeting will start this morning with Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua expected to address the participants at the official opening.
Last night a cocktail was also hosted for the participants.
Solomon Airlines has played host to the meeting and is believed this is the first time for such meeting to be held in the country,
Details of the meeting are not available.
But it is understand airline officials from member countries such as, Polynesian airlines, Air Niugini, Air Vanuatu, Air Pacific, and Qantas are expected at the opening.
A number of issues relating to regional airline cooperation are expected to be discussed.
Airlines also played an important part in the regional economies and tourism industry.
The Association of South Pacific Airlines was established at the directive of the South Pacific Civil Aviation Council, which met in Apia on 22-23 June, 1978.
The first meeting of regional airlines, held in Suva on 7-8 March 1979, formally agreed to launch the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA).
The inaugural meeting of ASPA took place in Suva on 30-31 May 1979, when the Articles of Association were adopted.
ASPA is a trade association, representing the interests of member airlines, and is operated on a not-for-profit basis.
Objectives of the association
(a) to promote cooperation among the Member airlines for the development of commercial aviation within, to and from the South Pacific region;
(b) to serve as a common forum for the articulation of Members’ views on matters and problems of common interest;
(c) to advise, where appropriate, the South Pacific Regional Civil Aviation Council through its Advisory Committee or any other regional or international bodies on any problems related to South Pacific aviation;
By MOFFAT MAMU
SolAir moves to Panatina Plaza
Wednesday, 26 May 2010 11:12
(http://www.solomonstarnews.com/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb2xvbW9uc3Rhcm5ld3MuY29tL25ld3MvYnVzaW5 lc3MvNjEyNi1zb2xhaXItbW92ZXMtdG8tcGFuYXRpbmEtcGxhemE%3D)
SOLOMON Airlines sales team has started moving into their new office location at Panatina Plaza.
Following the public holiday on Monday, airlines staff yesterday have been busy setting up at their new office space at Panatina Plaza, east of Honiara.
A check by the Solomon Star yesterday confirmed that office furniture and equipment have started arriving and staff were busy setting up their working desks.
Last week the Solomon Airlines logo was pasted up at the glass wall.
At the former sales office, a notice was also put up saying they are moving out and setting up at Panatina Plaza by June.
Solomon Airlines is renting out its Point Cruz based sales office to new mobile entrant bemobile.
The company had been using the office for some 30 years and it had spent money to tint its glass wall.
The location of the Sale office had made it convenient for clients to visit them to enquire and make bookings.
Details of why the move was taken to relocate were left under a carpet without proper explanation from the Airline’s top official.
There were claims the office was sold, while other reports suggest it was leased.
The move will see the new telecommunication company securing a prime spot for business as it prepares to roll out its service in the second part of this year.
The company currently operates out of a room at Heritage Park Hotel.
By MOFFAT MAMU
[U]
And when the hard-won assets have all been sold and converted to cocktails, who will do the air transport links in the National Interest then..?