Celebrating Clement Ramoi – 32 years with Solomon Airlines

• Watch the interview with Clement Ramoi here

Ask Clement Ramoi, Solomon Airlines Hangar/Line Maintenance Foreman how long he has worked for the national carrier and the answer is precise.

“As of November 2022, 32 years 10 months to be exact,” he says.

Little wonder as Clement is the Foreman responsible for planning, organising, controlling and ensuring all maintenance work is efficiently carried out on Solomon Airlines domestic aircraft.

“My greatest motivation is the satisfaction of keeping Solomon Airlines aircraft flying, especially when trying to fix a plane with a maintenance issue to get it out before the next day’s flying. 

“That is the job of an aviation engineer, to keep aircraft flying.  It’s a responsibility that cuts through one’s belief and religious affiliation.

“To do this work, one has to enjoy the responsibility of being on call 24/7 as this industry does not operate 5 days a week, and especially not the engineering function of an airline.

“Anyone thinking about a career in aviation engineering must be prepared to be called out from important events and functions when the call comes in to report for duty.

“We can be needed to fix an aircraft at any time which maybe down here in Honiara or some airport out in the provinces.

Clement’s advice to those just starting their careers is to “strive to be the best you can be, in whatever field or profession you find yourself in and enjoy doing your job”.

Born in a little village in North Malaita to parents of Kwaraae and Toobaita origin of Malaita Province, Clement was the second child in a family of 9 siblings.

He came to Honiara in 1979 with his parents and settled at Mbokonavera 4.

“I joined Solomon Airlines in January 1990 as a 19-year-old apprentice after completing secondary school at KG6.

‘Next, I trained at Air New Zealand Training School for three years and achieved my first Type Rating Licence on the BN2 (Islander), as well as my DHC6 & PT6A Series Licences (Twin Otter).

Clement achieved his Dash 8 engineering licence in 2011 and Airbus A320 (Airbus) License in 2017.

“In my current role It is highly motivating to see that everyone has one aim, and that is to keep the planes flying to safely transport our passengers.

“Throughout my career I value the comradeship and support among colleagues working together for the betterment of Solomon Airlines,” he added.