By EDDIE OSIFELO
SOLOMON Airlines new Twin Otter has made its first commercial flight to Ngorangora Airstrip in Kirakira, Makira Ulawa province on Thursday.
Heather Jeffery, Media & Public Relations of Solomon Airlines Limited confirmed this saying it was a little cloudy but here it is landing at Ngorangora Airstrip.
She said the 19-seat Twin Otter H4-SIC completed its first commercial passenger journey from Honiara to Arona to Kirakira yesterday as flight IE386, before returning home to Honiara.
Furthermore, yesterday afternoon the aircraft is scheduled to visit Parasi and Marau, and to touch down in Munda and Gizo in Western province this morning for the very first time.
The completely ‘relifed’ aircraft includes an additional 1,500lb take-off and landing weight capability, new interior and seating, and airline-grade digital avionics system.
Mr. Frank Wickham, Chairman of Solomon Airlines said the commissioning of the new Twin Otter aircraft was doubly significant for the national carrier.
“The arrival of this aircraft opens new possibilities for our domestic operation, and it also signals confidence that even in this era of COVID-19, we can continue to progress, and we are continuing to prepare for better times ahead.
“This is a very positive development for air services between the Solomon Islands and also for the time to come when eventually we also welcome tourists back to the country,” Wickham said.
