Solomon Airlines, under the leadership of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sean Te’o, is exploring a collaboration with Air Vanuatu to provide training for Air Vanuatu’s cabin crew members to operate Solomon Airlines’ A320 aircraft. This development was confirmed by CEO Te’o in response to inquiries about Solomon Airlines’ support to Vanuatu, particularly amid challenges with their Boeing aircraft temporarily grounded in Brisbane.
The revelation by CEO Te’o has sparked speculation regarding the training of 16 new cabin crew recruits at Air Vanuatu’s Bladinere headquarters. When contacted for details on the newly recruited cabin crew, Air Vanuatu declined to provide information to the Vanuatu Daily Post at this stage, as reported in its online edition, but indicated plans to issue a press statement upon completion of the training.
Solomon Airlines has been actively assisting Air Vanuatu with its operational requirements over the past year, especially during difficult times. The airlines have significantly expanded their codeshare relationship to include inventory access between Honiara, Port Vila, and Auckland, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction.
CEO Te’o outlined the promising future of collaboration between the carriers, focusing on customer service and operational support. He reaffirmed Solomon Airlines’ commitment to aiding Air Vanuatu’s operational connectivity between Honiara, Port Vila, and other destinations by leveraging each other’s fleets and flight operations.
The relationship between Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu has seen significant milestones, including the establishment of a wet lease agreement in April 2023 to improve operational synergies. Solomon Airlines has also extended assistance to Vanuatu’s recovery efforts, such as sending a De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft and operating crew after tropical cyclones in 2023.
In June 2023, a codeshare agreement between Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu enabled both carriers to sell seats on a new flight between Port Vila and Auckland. This partnership continued to expand, with further enhancements confirmed by Solomon Airlines in August 2023, effective from October of the same year.
