Solomon Airlines confirms further expansion with Air Vanuatu

Solomon Airlines has confirmed the further expansion of its partnership with Air Vanuatu effective from Monday 30 October 2023.

Together the airlines will increase Port-Vila to Auckland flight frequency to two Solomon Airlines operated services weekly, expanding Air Vanuatu’s New Zealand schedule to 4 x return services weekly on the Port Vila to Auckland route.

Solomon Airlines will also operate 2 x return flights weekly between Brisbane and Port Vila with streamlined connectivity via Port Vila to New Zealand.  The new services are also timed to provide an additional weekend departure for Vanuatu bound leisure passengers travelling from Australia.

The existing Monday service operating from Honiara to Port Vila as Flight IE722, and Flight NF050 Port Vila to Auckland will also shift to an earlier departure time from Honiara, starting at 9:00am.

“Our investment in a second international aircraft has immediately allowed us to significantly expand operations both for Solomon Airlines and our partner Air Vanuatu opening new commercial tourism opportunities for both countries,” said Acting CEO of Solomon Airlines Mr Napoleon Padabela.

“This is an example of how deepening partnerships between brother airlines in the Pacific can build co-operative regional networks to create economic benefit,” he said.

“Pacific airlines share similar issues and aims, and can benefit mutually from economies of scale, through asset sharing and streamlined operations.

The announcement coincides with the recent appointment of Solomon Airlines as Air Vanuatu’s General Sales Agent in Solomon Islands, with the airline’s Point Cruz Sales Office in Honiara now servicing both airline’s clients.