SOLOMON Airlines’ 32-seat Dash 8 has been in Cairns, Australia, for repairs for several months, far longer than the eight weeks originally expected.
The airline’s largest domestic aircraft was sent to Cairns for a regular scheduled check required every two years. However, its age and difficulties sourcing parts have extended the repair period.
Speaking to SIBC News, Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Matthew Findlay said the aircraft is taking much longer to repair because it is an older model and parts are increasingly difficult to obtain.
“They actually don’t make that aircraft anymore. And so, getting parts for repairs to this aircraft is very difficult because they just simply don’t make them.
“We have to obtain these parts from other suppliers around the world, and getting those parts here to the Solomons, of course, takes time.
“And that’s why the extended period of why this aircraft is out of service, which is compounding our challenges with the two Twin Otters that are left in our fleet domestically,” Mr. Findlay said.
The prolonged absence of the Dash 8 is putting additional pressure on the airline’s domestic operations, which are currently relying on two 19-seat Twin Otters.
Mr Findlay also revealed that another aircraft owned by Solomon Airlines has been in California, United States, awaiting repairs.
“One aircraft that we still own is marooned in California, waiting to be repaired, and that’s something that’s been the case for the last two and a half years.
“It saddens me that that aircraft is still in California and is unable to be repaired,” the CEO said.
Mr Findlay said the airline is now exploring funding options either to repair the aircraft in California or secure additional aircraft to strengthen its domestic fleet.
“There are opportunities for us to secure funding to either get that repaired or secure other aircraft to supplement our fleet, and that is the process that we’re starting now.
“It takes time to secure this aircraft,” Mr Findlay said.
He said Solomon Airlines wants the Dash 8 back in service as soon as possible, but maintaining its ageing aircraft remains a challenge because of difficulties sourcing parts and skilled labour.
Source: SIBC