Airlines’ agreement commended

 THE Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) has thrown its support behind the decision by three airline companies to combine resources and promote aviation services between Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Air Niugini, Air Vanuatu and Solomon Airlines recently entered into a tri-partite code share arrangement on the Port Moresby/Honiara/Port Vila route.

They intend to start this service by June. Under the agreement, Air Vanuatu and Solomon Airlines will be using Air Niugini’s Fokker 100 aircraft. 

Speaking from Honiara yesterday, SIVB chief executive Josefa Tuamoto described the deal as “massive potential” for intra-Melanesia travel as well as providing access to the region for international visitors.

“While all three airlines operate into a number of Australian cities, the opportunity this agreement holds for the region is further exacerbated when you take into account Air Niugini services into several key Asian destinations and Air Vanuatu services into New Zealand,” Tuamoto said.

“This is a fantastic result for all three countries’ tourism aspirations and a wonderful example of true Melanesian brotherhood hard at work.”