First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen (L) and Captain Claudia Walding (R)
Solomon Airlines is celebrating another significant milestone in its aviation history, with First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen becoming the airline’s first local female pilot to commence Airbus A320 line training.
The milestone was marked this week when international services IE711 from Auckland to Port Vila and IE723 from Port Vila to Honiara were operated by Captain Claudia Walding and First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen,the airline’s only two female Airbus A320 pilots.
The flights represent another proud achievement for Solomon Airlines as Lyndah begins her transition to the airline’s international jet operations alongside Captain Walding, Solomon Airlines’ first female Airbus A320 Captain.
The achievement reflects Solomon Airlines’ ongoing commitment to developing local aviation talent and creating opportunities for women in aviation.
Captain Claudia Walding joined Solomon Airlines in 2000 and made history in 2015 as the airline’s first female Airbus A320 Captain, paving the way for future generations of women pursuing careers in commercial aviation.
First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen joined Solomon Airlines in 2009 and has consistently broken new ground throughout her career. In 2017, she and Captain Patricia Avosa became Solomon Airlines’ first all-local female flight crew, operating together aboard a De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. In 2023, she became the airline’s first female Dash 8 Captain and now reaches another milestone as the first local female pilot to commence Airbus A320 line training.
Solomon Airlines Airbus A320 at the Honiara International Airport. Photo credit: SIBC.
Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Matthew Findley said Lyndah’s achievement reflects the airline’s continued investment in developing local aviation professionals.
“Today marks another proud milestone for Solomon Airlines and the Solomon Islands. Captain Claudia Walding paved the way for women in aviation within our airline, and we are delighted to see First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen become the first local female pilot to commence Airbus A320 line training. Her achievement reflects dedication, professionalism and perseverance, and we hope it inspires more young Solomon Islanders, particularly young women, to pursue careers in aviation.”
First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen said it was an honour to reach another milestone in her aviation career.
“I am incredibly proud to take this next step in my career and grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my journey. Flying alongside Captain Claudia Walding makes this milestone even more special, and I hope it inspires more young Solomon Islanders to believe that a career in aviation is within reach.”
As Solomon Airlines continues connecting Solomon Islands with destinations across the Pacific, the airline remains committed to investing in local talent and building a diverse, highly skilled aviation workforce for the future.
