Solomon Airways.. safe to fly ?

[tgh]

We have a one way into Honiara in Oct.
Choices are Solomon Airways or VA a few days earlier.
My understanding is that one day in Honiara is too long let alone 4, so Solomon is the go …... if…….:?:

any thoughts /opinions/reviews greatly appreciated

 

[eastwest101]

I have flown them and lived to tell the tale, mostly expat Australian and New Zealand pilots, A320s serviced in Australia. Have fun over there. I assume you are going diving?

 

[MissBurrill]

We have a one way into Honiara in Oct.
Choices are Solomon Airways or VA a few days earlier.
My understanding is that one day in Honiara is too long let alone 4, so Solomon is the go …... if…….:?:

any thoughts /opinions/reviews greatly appreciated

I lived in Honiara for six months a few years ago. I flew on both VA and Solomon Air between Brisbane and Honiara. One flight I was seated with a member of the SI parliament so was very well looked after.

My suggestion is to hire a taxi for a a few hours and have the driver take you to the American War Memorial. Along with being a moving place it has a beautiful view. Then visit the Japanese War Memorial and see how different it is to the American one. There are plenty of battlefield sites to visit but unless you have a guide who knows their stuff (John Ennis is awesome if he is in country) you won't get the much of the story.

The Lime Lounge is popular with ex-pats for lunch.

It is standard third world tropical island. Things happen on island time. Don't be surprised when your taxi drives on the round about. Have fun.

 

[drron]

My experience of Honiara was such a long time ago.Initially a few days in 1969 and back with the family in 1981.If you are in to military history it is a fascinating place.with the family also did a couple of day trips.one was to Auki on Malaita.In those days though it was a very laid back place.
1969 and the expat place was the Honiara yacht club.The hotel Mendana was in it's hey day.Used to sing a song about it with the words Havana and Copacabana replaced by Honiara and Mendana.

 

[tgh]

Thanks everyone.
Eastwest.. I wish .. sadly one eardrum is very sus.. took over a year to repair the last hole .. not taking any more chances…
Miss B .. thanks for the input, I will follow up the John Ennis reference..
DRron...We r picking up the Discoverer , last minute decision .
I actually liked your choice of Sapporo<Guam.. but we couldn't make it work .
T'will probably be a bit of a culture swing from Brisvegas to Honiara and then the cosseted indulgent little world of Siversea expeditions ..

 

[drron]

Will be very interested in your views on the Discoverer.We do enjoy Expedition cruising but have held back from the Discoverer until a few reports come in.
I believe Stefan will be your Expedition Leader.If so give him regards from Ron and the world beating family of zodiac paddlers!

 

[eastwest101]

If the Discoverer (I assume this is a cruise ship) is going anywhere near Morovo Lagoon you are in for a treat, its a stunning place.

 

[tgh]

Looking forward to catching up with Stefan.. it's been 6 years..
We had some interesting discussions on Climate Change as I recall.. perhaps you have had the same pleasure...

 

[drron]

If the Discoverer (I assume this is a cruise ship) is going anywhere near Morovo Lagoon you are in for a treat, its a stunning place.

So agree.I went through there on the medical boat late 1969-conducting clinics at various villages.At one stage I did think of just getting off the boat and staying.
We will be going there in October but on the Discoverer's older sister the Explorer.