Solomon Airlines to reduce A320 fleet, shrinks int'l network
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By Andrew Curran.
Solomon Airlines will downsize its jet fleet to a single A320-200 and wind back flights across its international network as part of its freshly announced 2027/28 fleet strategy.
One of its two A320-200s, H4-SIB (msn 02445), will be returned to its lessor, Carlyle Aviation, after operating its final flights for Solomon Airlines in February. The aircraft's lease period ends in May 2027.
As previously reported by Aero South Pacific, the recently launched Port Vila (VLI) – Christchurch (CHC) flights will be suspended in November, with reduced frequencies operating until then.
The even more recently launched Honiara (HIR) – Port Moresby (POM) service will also be suspended with immediate effect. However, it will temporarily resume in December to take advantage of peak-season travel.
Services between Port Vila and Auckland (AKL) will also be reduced but will not stop altogether. Unaffected routes include Brisbane (BNE) – Honiara, Brisbane – Luganville (SON) and Honiara – Nadi (NAN).
In June, newly minted Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale called on Solomon Airlines to “think big” and fast-track a strategic roadmap.
“It is not the announcement any airline CEO makes lightly,” Solomon Airlines CEO Matthew Findlay posted on LinkedIn yesterday. “But in an industry where standing still risks extinction, decisive action is what leadership looks like.”
“The global aviation context is unambiguous: IATA cites fuel costs 70% higher in 2026 than 2025. Net profit margins at +2% globally. Revenues climbing 9%, but expenses rising faster at 13%. Every carrier in the world is making hard calls. We are making ours.”
Findlay says considerable effort has gone into building relationships with industry stakeholders who have, in turn, engaged with and supported Solomon Airlines. In particular, he notes the support of tourism partners in Vanuatu and at overseas ports, notably Auckland and Christchurch Airports in New Zealand.
Solomon Airlines to focus on domestic network
On the flipside, Solomon Airlines is looking at growing its domestic DHC-6-300 Twin Otter fleet. It wants to expand its two-strong Twin Otter fleet over the next 12–24 months. The aircraft fly to 20 airports across the Solomon Islands alongside a single DHC-8-100.
“Solomon Islands is a 1,000-island archipelago,” said Findlay. “Meeting the transport needs of our citizens and supporting tourism operators across those islands is a fundamental responsibility, and we are acutely focussed on improving the reliability and resilience of that operation.”
He says three more Twin Otters would be ideal. While nothing is yet set in concrete, one possible option is for the Solomon Islands Government to purchase the aircraft and for Solomon Airlines to lease them from the government.
Findlay’s decision to focus on domestic operations is despite most of those services being loss-making and the small airline traditionally relying on its international routes to cross-subsidise unprofitable local services. But Findlay says the decision “is a disciplined response to factors which are likely to continue impacting us for some time.”
Solomon Airlines A320 still out of service after early July incident
Meanwhile, H4-SIB remains out of service after a third-party service provider caused significant damage to the area near the aircraft’s door in early July. Repairs were initially expected to take only a few weeks, but Findlay now says a damage assessment has determined that structural repairs are required.
“We are working with our insurers to bring the aircraft back into service for the limited time left with us,” he said.
Since the incident, Solomon Airlines has used aircraft wet-leased from operators such as Skytrans Australia to help maintain its schedules. Findlay says the damage assessment was also a factor in deciding to return the A320 next year.
The airline’s second A320-200, H4-SAL (msn 5566), is leased from BOC and arrived in the Solomon Islands in mid-2023. It will be used to service the carrier’s scaled-back international network. However, Findlay has left the door open to acquiring another jet aircraft in the future when operating conditions improve.
Photo: Solomon Airlines.
Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com