PM Wale Demands Urgent Overhaul of Solomon Airline

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has declared that Solomon Airlines must undergo serious reforms  warning that the government will not keep pouring money into a struggling national carrier without a clear plan.

In a high-stakes meeting with the airline’s board and management on Friday, joined by Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, Wale called out a lack of vision at the top and challenged leadership to “think big” and take a more strategic approach.

“Stop undermining the industry,” Wale told executives. “We want Solomon Airlines to succeed, but we must act decisively.”

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister states Prime Minister Wale laid out a blunt list of expectations: boost aircraft capacity on domestic routes, strengthen airlift services, improve flight reliability, slash fares on domestic and international routes, and deliver better customer service.

“Domestic airfares are too high. Freight costs are excessive. Flight schedules are inconsistent,” he said. “These are issues that must be addressed.”

Wale pointed to the absence of a clear strategic roadmap and demanded that the board and management move quickly on meaningful reform.

Finance Minister Lilo echoed the tough talk, urging the airline to find its footing fast  and to pursue partnerships with deep financial muscle.

“We need partners with deep financial capacity,” Lilo said. “I agree with the Prime Minister  you must think big and be strategic.”

Acting Board Chairman Baoro Laxton Koraua acknowledged the pressure, admitting that Solomon Airlines has been running at a loss, especially on domestic routes, and continues to struggle internationally.

“We have been making losses domestically and face significant challenges on our international routes,” Koraua said, agreeing that restructuring is overdue and that a clearer vision aligned with the national interest is urgently needed.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Prime Minister and Finance Minister directed the board and management to return with a comprehensive and strategic plan for the airline’s future.