Suspension of all services by Solomon Airlines

Solomon Airlines CEO, Captain Ron Sumsum has announced all services operated by the national carrier were suspended effective from 08.00 am (Honiara time) Tuesday, 07 June 2016.

The decision has had immediate impact on the airline’s eight weekly services between Brisbane and Honiara, flights to and from Nadi, Fiji and Port Vila, Vanuatu, and all domestic services within the Solomon Islands.

In a statement delivered to codeshare partners and other international carriers operating into Henderson International Airport, Captain Sumsum said this decision, due to a dispute with the Solomon Islands’ Government, had not been taken lightly.

“This decision also affects services operated by us to our codeshare partners and services provided to all other airlines in our capacity as ground handling agents.

“I am confident the Solomon Islands’ Government will address the situation in a very short time,” Captain Sumsum said.

Apologising for the disruption to services, Captain Sumsum said he was hopeful the airline would return to full operation as soon as possible.

All enquiries are to be directed to Solomon Airlines CEO, Captain Ron Sumsum.

EVA Air announces major upgrade of Taiwan – Brisbane flights

EVA Air is set to more than double its flights between Brisbane and Taiwan with the launch of five times weekly year round service from October 2016.

The airline will also change its scheduled departure time from Brisbane to enable short and simple transfers across its global network from their home hub of Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport.

The new flights, to depart BNE on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, will deliver around 22,800 extra Taiwanese visitors per year to Queensland from what is already one of the state’s fastest growing and highest spending markets.

In 2015, Taiwanese passenger numbers through BNE jumped by 17 per cent to just under 82,000 for the year, pumping millions into the state’s economy.

Tigerair Australia celebrates reaching 20 millionth passenger milestone

Tigerair Australia released more than 20,000 one way fares for just $20* to celebrate the airline’s 20 millionth passenger milestone.

The ‘20,000 One Way Fares for $20*’ sale will finish at midday (AEST) Thursday 3 June (or until seats sell out), with all on-sale fares for travel between late January and late March 2017.

The sale covers 12 routes across the Tigerair domestic network, including popular routes such as Melbourne-Sydney, Melbourne-Gold Coast, and Sydney-Gold Coast.

To mark the occasion, all 180 passengers on board this morning’s Melbourne – Adelaide service (TT449-the 20 millionth passenger’s flight) were presented with a $20 flight voucher to use for future travel.  The airline played an interactive game of ‘Guess Who’ onboard the flight prior to departure to announce the lucky 20 millionth passenger.

Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp was onboard to congratulate the lucky 20 millionth passenger and provide Sarah Del Medicio from Adelaide with a $2000 travel voucher.

“The 20 millionth passenger milestone is a significant achievement for Tigerair Australia which commenced operations in Australia in November 2007. Tigerair Australia is proud of the contribution we make by providing healthy competition to the market which is a win-win for consumers, tourism and the economy. Our brand is all about providing great value fares with reliable and on time services and great service and I’m proud to say we are delivering on all fronts.”

Etihad Airways commences luxurious dreamliner flights to Perth

A state-of-the-art Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has touched down in Perth after its inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways flight EY486 took off from Abu Dhabi and arrived in the Western Australian capital at where it was welcomed by a water cannon salute.

The B787-9 Dreamliner features Etihad Airways’ next-generation Business and Economy Class cabins. With 299 seats, it delivers 14 per cent more capacity than the Airbus A330-200 it replaces. In the high-demand Business Class cabin, it offers 27 percent more seats.

Qantas codeshare returns on Brisbane-Santo flights

Air Vanuatu has announced the resumption of the Qantas codeshare of NF20/21 between Santo and Brisbane effective immediately.

Air Vanuatu management and tourism operators on the northern island have welcomed the return of the alliance.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Qantas on the Brisbane-Santo-Brisbane route and welcome the strong marketing arm of Australia’s national carrier back to Vanuatu,” Air Vanuatu chief executive officer Joseph Laloyer said.

Qantas has already resumed marketing the Santo flights, telling Australian travel agents they are pleased to announce the recommencement of the codeshare with Air Vanuatu.