Solomon Airlines will lose SBD$45 million (FJ$11.69 million) this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect their operations.

This was revealed by Solomon Airlines senior board member Bob Pollard during the 2021 Appropriation Bill 2021 inquiry.

“This is a huge challenge for our airline,” he said.

“This year alone will be very tough in terms of our finance.”

It is understood that last year the Government injected SBD$20 million (FJ$5.20 million) to salvage Solomon Airlines.

At the moment Mr Pollard said Solomon Airlines can only go ahead with approved international repatriation flights to bring Solomon Islanders home and charters.

The airline’s lone A320 Airbus jet recently continued flying a weekly cargo flight between Brisbane and Honiara.

The airline also continues to operate domestic flights with its turboprop fleet.

Meanwhile, Mr Pollard said they would continue to seek Government assistance as the financial challenge continues for the airlines.

 
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