Solomon Airlines has advised its flagship Airbus A320, currently undergoing a scheduled annual service in Manila, Philippines, is now expected to return to full service on Monday, 13 April.

In the interim period the carrier will continue to operate the chartered Nauru Airlines Boeing B737-300 it has been using on its four weekly Honiara-Brisbane services and weekly services to Port Vila, Vanuatu, and Nadi, Fiji, since 10 March.

Solomon Airlines’ General Manager of Operations & Commercial, Gus Kraus said the delay in the Airbus’ return two weeks beyond the date originally advised had been unexpected. The   carrier had originally hoped to have the Airbus back in full service by the end of the month.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this situation may be causing our passengers but we do need to reiterate this maintenance program is a standard annual plan,” Mr Kraus said.

“Unfortunately there were some unplanned findings and some parts had to be ordered thus delaying the program and we are hoping that completion will now be by 12 April and returning to service on 13 April subject to any other delays incurred coming in to the Easter period.

“This service is in complete keeping with Solomon Airlines’ extremely high safety standards which have been more than demonstrated in recent weeks as per IATA’s decision to award us our second IOSA safety certification in two years.

“As previously advised the Nauru Airlines’ B737-300’s configuration is slightly smaller than our Airbus A320 however more than adequate to cater to our requirements until 13 April.”

Mr Kraus again advised all passengers seeking updated information should visit Solomon Airlines website located at www.flysolomons.com or via the following telephone contacts: