Solomon Airlines celebrates expanded domestic pilot workforce

Solomon Airlines is celebrating a significant expansion of the airline’s pilot workforce and capability, warmly congratulating eight new pilots who will fly the national carrier’s domestic routes and the promotion of existing flight crew members who have completed further advanced training. 

The airline hosted a ‘Presentation of Wings’ ceremony at the company’s Honiara head office on 9 June, presenting Wings and Epaulettes to four new First Officers and four new Captains qualifying for the Twin Otter aircraft type.

Solomon Airlines also congratulated Domestic Chief Pilot Captain Alex Takola on becoming a First Officer on the airline’s largest domestic aircraft the De Havilland Dash 8, and flight crew members - Captain Patricia Avosa and Captain Aphia Toitoona who become Training Captains after successfully completing Category D Flight Instructor Training.

Solomon Airlines domestic operations today span total of 22 destinations across 9 Provinces of Solomon Islands.

Solomon Airlines was tremendously proud of the achievements of its flight crew members, who had excelled during training and examinations, adding significant new capability to the airline’s domestic pilot workforce.

The national carrier committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of our country, our people and our economy, and under our strategic plan, one clear goal is to nurture and promote the professional development of our employees, as is occurring now through training and advancement within our pilot ranks.

The achievement of these local pilots is a great example to young people throughout Solomon Islands, and an inspiration to local citizens who wish to purse a flying career as a pilot with our national carrier.

Solomon Airlines new Twin Otter First Officers who successfully completed their Line training are:

• First Officer Augustine Siumary
• First Officer Anthony Bugotu
• First Officer Peniasi Ene
• First Officer Gorepitu Alependava.

The airline’s four new Twin Otter Captains who passed their ATPL Flight Test recently are:

• Captain Bernard Tebaia
• Captain Salome Agiomea
• Captain Philip Tegavota
• Captain Arikiraoi Ruaia