Solomon Airlines is celebrating a significant expansion of its pilot workforce and capability with eight new pilots receiving their ‘Presentation of Wings’ to fly the national carrier’s domestic routes.
The airline hosted a ‘Presentation of Wings’ ceremony at the company’s Honiara head office on 9 June, presenting Wings and Epaulettes to four new First Officers and four new captains qualifying for the Twin Otter aircraft type.
Solomon Airlines also congratulated Domestic Chief Pilot Captain Alex Takola on becoming a First Officer on the airline’s largest domestic aircraft the De Havilland Dash 8, and flight crew members, Captain Patricia Avosa and Captain Aphia Toitoona, who become Training Captains after successfully completing Category D Flight Instructor Training.
Solomon Airlines domestic operations today span total of 22 destinations across nine provinces of Solomon Islands.
Solomon Airlines said it is tremendously proud of the achievements of its flight crew members, who excelled during training and examinations, adding significant new capability to the airline’s domestic pilot workforce.
The national carrier said it is committed to “supporting the growth and prosperity of our country, our people and our economy and under our strategic plan, one clear goal is to nurture and promote the professional development of our employees, as is occurring now through training and advancement within our pilot ranks”.
Solomon Airlines said the achievement of the local pilots is a great example to young people throughout Solomon Islands, and an inspiration to local citizens who wish to purse a flying career as a pilot with the national carrier.
Solomon Airlines new Twin Otter First Officers who successfully completed their Line training are:
- First Officer Augustine Siumary
- First Officer Anthony Bugotu
- First Officer Peniasi Ene
- First Officer Gorepitu Alependava
The airline’s four new Twin Otter Captains who passed their ATPL Flight Test recently are:
- Captain BernardTebaia
- Captain Salome Agiomea
- Captain Philip Tegavota
- Captain Arikiraoi Ruaia
Watch the video here.
Feature image: (from left) First Officer Hosley Gela Donga, First Officer Peniasi Ene, First Officer Gorepitu Alependava, First Officer Amanda Asugeni.
