OPPOSITION EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER CORE ISSUE OF AIRLINE SAGA

He said this is because of the fact that Solomon Airlines does not have a fifth or sixth freedom rights on a Honiara-Port Vila-Nadi; rights over which Fiji Airways has an advantage.

He said the Solomon Islands Government and Solomon Airline are at the losing end.

Meanwhile, the Opposition leader said Fiji Airways has the advantage to operate into Honiara via Port Vila, picking up and dropping off passengers via a complete route; a right Solomon Airlines does not have.

Mr Manele urged the Government to take on board the plea by the Solomon Airlines for fairness and equality between both airlines.

It is understood a meeting by the Solomon Islands and Fiji Governments to review the air services is scheduled to be held on the 25th next month.

The MP for Kia Hograno Havulei said this is an opportunity for Solomon Islands to push for fairness and equality for our airline.

He said as a sovereign nation, it is important Solomon Islands should be given the air service rights that would benefit our airline, our country and our economy.