No AOC for Skyairworld, delay for Solomon Airlines
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Yes, there appears to be emerging concern in Honiara - will be interesting to see if they genuinely set about fixing the problem or just go looking for scapegoats - a very Pacific response to problems, generally.
A couple of business associates tried to book on another carrier to come here early next week, they are on stand-by. Seems the passengers are deserting the Embraer big time. Hardly surprising.
A couple of business associates tried to book on another carrier to come here early next week, they are on stand-by. Seems the passengers are deserting the Embraer big time. Hardly surprising.
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movin up when the governments of the pacific learn to work with each other instead of letting outside interests try and make a fast buck , so I guess that means never !!!!!!!!!!!
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Our Airline left Honiara this afternoon with a number of stranded SolAir passengers on board and remaining passengers have been told that this aircraft is scheduled to depart Brisbane again for Honiara at 1930 this evening to carry stranded SolAir passengers from Brisbane. It seems that this aircraft will then leave Honiara again tonight and return to Brisbane carrying more of SolAir's stranded passengers in an attempt to reduce the backlog and keep passengers happy.
At 1700 ZUJI shows this as a rescheduled departure for SolAir from Brisbane with two flight numbers, presumably one SolAir and the other as Our Airline.
Very frustrating for those trying to catch connecting flights from Brisbane - but full points to SolAir management for adressing the situation before it deteriorates any further.
Hopefully SolAir management will take action to resolve these problems for the long term.
This is not a great situation for a recovering economy in a country that has great tourism potential but only IF it is possible to guarantee to get people here and home again.
At 1700 ZUJI shows this as a rescheduled departure for SolAir from Brisbane with two flight numbers, presumably one SolAir and the other as Our Airline.
Very frustrating for those trying to catch connecting flights from Brisbane - but full points to SolAir management for adressing the situation before it deteriorates any further.
Hopefully SolAir management will take action to resolve these problems for the long term.
This is not a great situation for a recovering economy in a country that has great tourism potential but only IF it is possible to guarantee to get people here and home again.
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you ever seen the way melanesians travel. the 400 is a better option for solomons.
e170, doesnt have the legs. nearest alternate is at least an hour away, and its weather is usually worse than aggh.
e170, doesnt have the legs. nearest alternate is at least an hour away, and its weather is usually worse than aggh.
I heard they were looking for a third freighter, but I don't know if they are specifically looking for a QC. Being that they are pretty focussed on building a viable alternative to AaE I doubt you'd see them taking on something as significant as Solair's ops. Freight is their game and I think they'll stick to that.
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Not while it is probably in the financial interest of people in charge to keep out sensible options. The interest of the Solomons needs to be put before personal interests before common sense shared ops could occur
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Unless more big changes are made, they will still continue to loose money hand over fist. I dont think the E170 is helping matters. Makes you wonder how much longer they can operate loosing that kind of money.
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This from Solomon Star today - perhaps the newly appointed Attorney-General Julian Moti can help The Honorables in their inquiry
:
WEDNESDAY 11th July 07 NEWS UPDATE
Submitted by Moffat Mamu on 11 July, 2007 - 8:19am. Headlines | Nation
PM steps in over airlines
By ROBERT L. IROGA
PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has intervened and ordered a thorough assessment of the operations of Solomon Airlines.
It includes the performance of both the Government-owned airline’s management and new Embraer E170-100LR jet.
The Prime Minister’s order comes with the airline facing major operational and financial problems since the new plane took over international services two months ago.
There have been complaints of passengers, luggage and freight being offloaded because of weight and space limitations operating between Brisbane, Honiara, Santo (Vanuatu) and Nadi (Fiji).(See also report page 3)
The 75-seater is the smallest of a successful range of regional jets built by Brazilian plane maker Embraer.
Mr Sogavare’s order comes just days after the airline’s board was sacked last week by Minister of Finance Gordon Darcy Lilo.
Minister Lilo is believed to have been unhappy with the role the board played leasing the E170, and how it spent money on the plane’s launch.
Mr Lilo is believed to have supported the leasing of the E170 based on the advice he was given by the board.
Mr Sogavare told the Solomon Star yesterday that the assessment would give the Government insights into the operations of the national carrier.
Asked whether the performance of the airline’s management will be included, Mr Sogavare said: “Yes, they are also part of it”
On the possibility of replacing the E170, Mr Sogavare said the Government will need to look at the findings before taking any moves.
The new jet, painted in national colours, is leased from Australian charter operator SkyAirWorld. Solomon Airlines is the first commercial carrier to use an E-Jet in the region.
Australian low-cost airline Pacific Blue is expected to soon use E-jets on some of its Pacific Islands routes. But it is believed to be planning to fly a bigger E190 on these routes.
In a Solomon Airlines news release announcing the launch of the E170 service, chief executive Ron Sumsum said: “The E-170 exemplifies our new direction and sets standards for comfort, reliability and fuel efficiency in its class.”
The E170-100 replaced a bigger and older Boeing 737-300 that Solomon Airlines leased from a Spanish company.
:WEDNESDAY 11th July 07 NEWS UPDATE
Submitted by Moffat Mamu on 11 July, 2007 - 8:19am. Headlines | Nation
PM steps in over airlines
By ROBERT L. IROGA
PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has intervened and ordered a thorough assessment of the operations of Solomon Airlines.
It includes the performance of both the Government-owned airline’s management and new Embraer E170-100LR jet.
The Prime Minister’s order comes with the airline facing major operational and financial problems since the new plane took over international services two months ago.
There have been complaints of passengers, luggage and freight being offloaded because of weight and space limitations operating between Brisbane, Honiara, Santo (Vanuatu) and Nadi (Fiji).(See also report page 3)
The 75-seater is the smallest of a successful range of regional jets built by Brazilian plane maker Embraer.
Mr Sogavare’s order comes just days after the airline’s board was sacked last week by Minister of Finance Gordon Darcy Lilo.
Minister Lilo is believed to have been unhappy with the role the board played leasing the E170, and how it spent money on the plane’s launch.
Mr Lilo is believed to have supported the leasing of the E170 based on the advice he was given by the board.
Mr Sogavare told the Solomon Star yesterday that the assessment would give the Government insights into the operations of the national carrier.
Asked whether the performance of the airline’s management will be included, Mr Sogavare said: “Yes, they are also part of it”
On the possibility of replacing the E170, Mr Sogavare said the Government will need to look at the findings before taking any moves.
The new jet, painted in national colours, is leased from Australian charter operator SkyAirWorld. Solomon Airlines is the first commercial carrier to use an E-Jet in the region.
Australian low-cost airline Pacific Blue is expected to soon use E-jets on some of its Pacific Islands routes. But it is believed to be planning to fly a bigger E190 on these routes.
In a Solomon Airlines news release announcing the launch of the E170 service, chief executive Ron Sumsum said: “The E-170 exemplifies our new direction and sets standards for comfort, reliability and fuel efficiency in its class.”
The E170-100 replaced a bigger and older Boeing 737-300 that Solomon Airlines leased from a Spanish company.
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Managed to be on board that Our Airlines rescue flight a week ago along with quite a few disgruntled "Solomon Airlines - never again" passengers. The Embraer operation is rapidly turning into a joke and it is hardly surprising that the goverment has finally decided to act - although, being familiar with that part of the world and how things work, I'm a little sceptical about their determination to really fix things or just make examples/scapegoats of a number of individuals.
The crew on the rescue flight had some interesting comparitive figures - seems the 737 can take a minimum of 10,000 kgs of payload still carrying full fuel tanks and having enough fuel to approach Honiara several times and then go to the alternative aerodromes in Santo or Nauru. The Embraer struggles with 6000 kgs and allegedly only has one opportunity to land at Honiara before going to their sole alternative of Santo. Raises the question of what happens when the weather is crook at Santo?
The crew said if they relied only on one alternative they could get the payload up towards 12,000 kgs. Solomon Airlines needs to get serious about a decent aeroplane that can do the job properly. Maybe they should consider an alliance with a proven and established operator?
I for one am glad there is the option of a more reliable and better able carrier to serve my needs and interests in relation to Honiara. I am more than sure I am part of a growing support base for the other carrier, and will only be travelling with Solomon Airlines in exceptional circumstances (ie no other choice).
The crew on the rescue flight had some interesting comparitive figures - seems the 737 can take a minimum of 10,000 kgs of payload still carrying full fuel tanks and having enough fuel to approach Honiara several times and then go to the alternative aerodromes in Santo or Nauru. The Embraer struggles with 6000 kgs and allegedly only has one opportunity to land at Honiara before going to their sole alternative of Santo. Raises the question of what happens when the weather is crook at Santo?
The crew said if they relied only on one alternative they could get the payload up towards 12,000 kgs. Solomon Airlines needs to get serious about a decent aeroplane that can do the job properly. Maybe they should consider an alliance with a proven and established operator?
I for one am glad there is the option of a more reliable and better able carrier to serve my needs and interests in relation to Honiara. I am more than sure I am part of a growing support base for the other carrier, and will only be travelling with Solomon Airlines in exceptional circumstances (ie no other choice).
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brassplate
It's been tried before... Fiji Airways was owned by 6 or 8 Pacific Island nations but came a cropper because of the politics involved. Certain islands wanted daily services where there was traffic for just once a week services... and a Prime Minister said to me "I want my country's airline name on the side of that jet".
I agree your solution would be ideal... I doubt it will happen.
Why can't they just share an aircraft?
I agree your solution would be ideal... I doubt it will happen.
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CEO charts course for airline’s future
By MOFFAT MAMU/Solomon Star 28th June
NO aircraft in the world will make Solomon Airlines successful except its business culture and sound management guided by its policy to improve the industry.
This was the statement of newly appointed Solomon Airlines chief executive officer Captain Ron Sumsum in response to criticisms over the company’s decision to get the Embraer E-170.
Recently some citizens have criticised the aircraft because of its small baggage capacity and size.
“Since becoming CEO two months ago, I have been focusing completely on stabilising Solomon Airlines’ operations. To ensure we provide reliable and comfortable service.”
Mr Sumsum said work has already progressed to implement a long-term strategy to rebuild the company into a successful and profitable carrier.
But he said the caompany’s viability is based on the establishment of a new business culture that recognised the importance of implementing and adhering to company’s procedures and policies.
“This must be our number one focus and it will not happen overnight,” the CEO said.
“Unfortunately this is an area that the company’s past management completely ignored, so we’re starting from scratch,” he said.
The Ni-Vanuatu CEO, who has vast experience in the airline industry, said the E-170 is only an interim, yet integral step into a long-term strategy of the airlines.
“Our comprehensive analysis determined that the E-1760 even though it has some limitations provides the best initial solution for our long term strategy.
“This aircraft is world-renowned for its operating efficiency and customer comfort - it has wide leather seats, no middle seats, large windows and ample headroom,” he said.......Leather seat?Looks like the analysis was not "comprehensive" enough.
By MOFFAT MAMU/Solomon Star 28th June
NO aircraft in the world will make Solomon Airlines successful except its business culture and sound management guided by its policy to improve the industry.
This was the statement of newly appointed Solomon Airlines chief executive officer Captain Ron Sumsum in response to criticisms over the company’s decision to get the Embraer E-170.
Recently some citizens have criticised the aircraft because of its small baggage capacity and size.
“Since becoming CEO two months ago, I have been focusing completely on stabilising Solomon Airlines’ operations. To ensure we provide reliable and comfortable service.”
Mr Sumsum said work has already progressed to implement a long-term strategy to rebuild the company into a successful and profitable carrier.
But he said the caompany’s viability is based on the establishment of a new business culture that recognised the importance of implementing and adhering to company’s procedures and policies.
“This must be our number one focus and it will not happen overnight,” the CEO said.
“Unfortunately this is an area that the company’s past management completely ignored, so we’re starting from scratch,” he said.
The Ni-Vanuatu CEO, who has vast experience in the airline industry, said the E-170 is only an interim, yet integral step into a long-term strategy of the airlines.
“Our comprehensive analysis determined that the E-1760 even though it has some limitations provides the best initial solution for our long term strategy.
“This aircraft is world-renowned for its operating efficiency and customer comfort - it has wide leather seats, no middle seats, large windows and ample headroom,” he said.......Leather seat?
Looks like the analysis was not "comprehensive" enough.
Last edited by JMara; 15th Jul 2007 at 19:48.
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Who would trust the "Our Airline" operation anyway?
Our Airline is still Air Nauru under another color scheme.
Their finances are a joke, and could fall like the house of cards at any time.
The Solomon Islands needs to be assured of air communications in good times and bad. To rely on Nauru is a very exposed position to be in.
Look at their loyalty to the Marshall Islands business community. We built up our relationship with Australian markets and then had taken away from us, all due to bad planning and no support by ON management.
Solomon Airlines and their government should be very wary of ON policies.
Their finances are a joke, and could fall like the house of cards at any time.
The Solomon Islands needs to be assured of air communications in good times and bad. To rely on Nauru is a very exposed position to be in.
Look at their loyalty to the Marshall Islands business community. We built up our relationship with Australian markets and then had taken away from us, all due to bad planning and no support by ON management.
Solomon Airlines and their government should be very wary of ON policies.
Our Airline is still Air Nauru under another color scheme
Whatever you think about Air Nauru/Our Airline, they have survived for a long time (35+ years).
Every airline is potentially a hose of cards, but this one has played their cards pretty well, all things considered.
All I can suggest about the MAJ route is that perhaps it was unviable for the 733; not every port can justify the type of service they would like. Does Air Marshall Islands offer a connecting flight to Tarawa to meet ON?
Every airline is potentially a hose of cards, but this one has played their cards pretty well, all things considered.
All I can suggest about the MAJ route is that perhaps it was unviable for the 733; not every port can justify the type of service they would like. Does Air Marshall Islands offer a connecting flight to Tarawa to meet ON?
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Kwajmate
I think you need to research your facts or maybe you are just a bitter loser who did nothing to support this airline. I travelled a number of times on this route and don't think I ever saw double digit passenger numbers. All this when they had return fares advertised in local papers as low as $150.
As far as their finances I guess only their management know but they seem to have made their airline more efficient and continue to offer a service which has been going for 35 years plus while others have been and gone or never started.
I think you will find the demise of this route more due to lack of support from the Marshalls along with excessive airport and fuel charges.
If this small airline had as much loyalty from the Pacific as it has given to it then the region's air services would be a lot more stable.
I think Chimbu warrior is closer to the truth then some bitter poster twisting the facts. Anyhow that's what I think !!!!!!!!!
I think you need to research your facts or maybe you are just a bitter loser who did nothing to support this airline. I travelled a number of times on this route and don't think I ever saw double digit passenger numbers. All this when they had return fares advertised in local papers as low as $150.
As far as their finances I guess only their management know but they seem to have made their airline more efficient and continue to offer a service which has been going for 35 years plus while others have been and gone or never started.
I think you will find the demise of this route more due to lack of support from the Marshalls along with excessive airport and fuel charges.
If this small airline had as much loyalty from the Pacific as it has given to it then the region's air services would be a lot more stable.
I think Chimbu warrior is closer to the truth then some bitter poster twisting the facts. Anyhow that's what I think !!!!!!!!!