Solomon Airlines Awaiting Rights to Fly to Santo
According to the Solomon Star newspaper, Solomon Airlines is still awaiting Australian Government approval for “Fifth Freedom Rights” that will allow Solmon Airlines to fly direct services for passengers and cargo between Australia and Santo in Vanuatu.
Solomon Star understands that the Vanuatu Government has granted Solomon Airlines “Fifth Freedom Rights” before the first inaugural flight from Honiara to Santo last December, but Solomon Airlines could not operate its intended direct flights between Santo and Brisbane because Australia has not granted “Fifth Freedom Rights” to Solomon Airlines up until now.
Santo is a very popular scuba diving destination for Australians, mostly due to the wonderful wreck of the USS President Coolidge. Santo is currently served by small planes from Port Vila in Vanuatu, making it a complex trip. The commencement of direct (non-stop) jet services from Australia will open the destination up for Australian divers. It will also allow flexibility in scheduling holidays for overseas divers (Australians and others) who can combine a holiday in Santo with diving in the Solomon Islands.
I hope that the Australian Government doesn’t unnecessarily delay these rights for Solomon Airlines. I believe that this new service will have benefits for many divers, the tourism industries in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, and will also be important for the ongoing viability of Solomon Airlines.