Solomon Airlines has confirmed the airline will commence direct flights between Port Vila and Auckland from 27 May, using Solomon Airlines aircraft to continue air services linking Vanuatu and New Zealand.
Solomon Islands national carrier together with the Vanuatu government has worked closely with relevant New Zealand authorities to continue interim flights servicing Auckland from Port Vila.
This included responding to charter requests to ensure seasonal workers and stranded tourists were able to move between the two Nations following the news of involuntary liquidation.
Solomon Airlines was previously operating on behalf of Air Vanuatu between Port Vila and Auckland on Mondays, and Auckland and Port Vila on Tuesdays, as part of an extensive Pacific partnership between the carriers including codeshare, supplementing Air Vanuatu’s existing operations.
Solomon Airlines will now commence its own scheduled services in support of Air Vanuatu’s repositioning for their flight resumptions.
The schedule will commence from 27 May, anticipating twice-weekly flights between Honiara, Port Vila and Auckland from 1 July.
IE710 will operate from Port Vila to Auckland on Mondays at 5:50pm arriving in Auckland at 10:05pm, and IE711 will depart Auckland on Tuesdays at 12pm, arriving in Port Vila 2:15pm
Turning 62 this year, Solomon Airlines is one of the oldest airlines in the Pacific Region and is committed long term to ensuring easy flight access for our people, our visitors and friends, our seasonal workers and corporate travellers who need to move within the region. Solomon Airlines is aware of the importance to many stakeholders of efficient and direct air services linking Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Zealand. The airline remains committed to working in partnership with Air Vanuatu together with the Vanuatu Government and current administrators to provide support while the necessary processes are being followed as the country work towards the return of its national carrier, Air Vanuatu. Solomon Airlines remains committed and look forward to the resumption of Air Vanuatu and Solomon Airlines strong mutual relations going forward.