Supports Movement of Critical Medical Supplies
– Domestic passenger flights remain suspended for travel from Honiara
– Essential cargo flights operating, stranded Honiara residents return
Solomon Airlines today provided an update on the airline’s current flight and office operations in accordance with the latest Solomon Islands Government curfew and requirements.
Alongside the latest Government permissions which allow fully vaccinated residents freedom of movement in Honiara from 8am to 5pm each day, Solomon Airlines has today reopened its Point Cruz Sales Office and reopened the airline’s Honiara based Reservations division.
“As a result our staff are allowed to return to work and to look after our passengers and clients, provided of course that no-one is unwell or showing symptoms of any kind,” he added.
Mr Sigimanu confirmed that Solomon Airlines scheduled domestic flights continue to be suspended until Sunday 20 February to adhere to Government requirements, however limited services have been operating with cargo only from Honiara to the Provinces, at the request of the Government.
“We are proactively supporting the Government to ensure delivery of critical medical supplies to the Provinces, with a flight today to Kirakira, and a flight over the weekend to Western Province, including Gizo, Munda and Choiseul Bay,” he said.
“These flights have also provided the opportunity for a number of people who were affected by the lockdown and the abrupt domestic flight cancellations, to voluntarily return to Honiara.
“Due to the sudden lockdown, many of our domestic passengers found themselves stranded away from their homes, and through close collaboration with Government, and by acquiring the relevant exemptions and ensuring adherence to COVID-19 safety requirements, we have been able to use the return flight to bring disrupted ticketed passengers back to Honiara,” Mr Sigimanu said.
“No passengers are permitted to leave Honiara, and for those returning, wearing masks is mandatory throughout the process and transport is also organised” he said.
“As the national carrier, we have been a leader in understanding and applying COVID-19 safety procedures since the commencement of the COVID 19-pandemic, so have maintained a comprehensive understanding of requirements and processes required to operate airline services.
“We are confident of the integrity of our procedures and are well equipped to operate in the COVID-19 climate,” he said.
Solomon Airlines’ weekly international cargo flight between Honiara and Brisbane is continuing to operate subject to COVID-19 protocols with limited passengers approved by the Solomon Islands Government COVID-19 Oversight Committee.
“Through the recent outbreak, we will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure Solomon Airlines can assist with essential cargo and medical resources as required, and also to enable the movement of passengers where it is deemed necessary,” he added.
SOLOMON AIRLINES PRESS RELEASE
