5 Nov 2004

Solomons' service will boost tourism, says Air Pacific

11:18 am on 5 November 2004

Fiji's airline, Air Pacific, says it expects its service to Solomon Islands will slowly boost tourism.

Air Pacific has resumed flights to Honiara, via Port Villa, as it expands its regional services in response to competition from low-cost carriers on its major routes.

Its managing director, John Campbell, says it resumed the service after it stopped flying there 14 years ago owing to ethnic tensions.

Mr Campbell says while the operation of the service is sound, he expects it will be some time before the service will be viable.

"There is a gradual restarting of elements of the Solomons' economy, which will start to bring business travellers to and from the Solomons, and steadily there will be some growth in tourism."

John Campbell says Air Pacific now flies to Honiara return, on a weekly basis.