Solomon Airlines launched a new international route on Saturday 30 March, when the airline’s first
flight took off from Brisbane flying directly to the reopened Munda Airport on the island of New Georgia in the Solomon Island’s Western Province.
The three hour 15 minute A320 flight was hosted by Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Brett Gebers and farewelled at Brisbane International Airport by excited members of the Solomon Islands community, dancers and diving enthusiasts.
The airline’s commencement of a direct same-day service on the route, has been described as a major catalyst for increased international visitation to Munda, renowned as one of the world’s most desirable dive destinations.
The recently reopened Munda Airport underwent an extensive upgrade programme to accommodate
international flights and now becomes the country’s second airport also serving as a backup to the Henderson International Airport at Honiara.
Commenting on the development, Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Brett Gebers said the company recognised the importance of the route to tourism and economic advancement.
“We are delighted to be partners in a new tourism chapter for the Solomon Islands, one in which greater international air access will support sustainable tourism development,” he said.
“A great deal of hard work by like-minded organisations has led to the reopening of Munda Airport,
and establishment of necessary infrastructure and we are delighted to see it come to fruition. Munda will act as an important gateway that we are confident will be quickly recognised internationally.
”The operation of our weekly Brisbane-Munda service has been timed to offer seamless connections with our domestic flights to Gizo, Seghe in the Marovo Lagoon and Suavanoa on Santa Isabel, operated by Dash-8 and Twin Otter aircraft,” he added.
Tourism Solomons’ CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said he applauded Solomon Airlines’ decision to introduce the new international route.
“The Munda area is one of Solomon Islands primary cultural, dive and sports fishing locations. The area is also renowned for its WWII history and we are confident new direct air access will act as a catalyst for increased visitation and investment in the Western Province’s tourism future,” he said.
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