Opposition Seeks Audit of Solomon Airlines Finances

Solomon Islands opposition leader Matthew Wale has called for an independent audit and a comprehensive financial report on Solomon Airlines (IE, Honiara), warning that the state-owned airline is facing a serious sustainability crisis.

Wale said his demand for greater transparency follows a public statement by the carrier’s interim chief executive acknowledging the severity of its financial and operational challenges. He pointed to persistent route losses, a weakening revenue base, and declining competitiveness as urgent issues requiring immediate government intervention.

“If certain routes are deemed socially necessary, government must clearly state the cost of these obligations and how they will be funded,” Wale said. He questioned whether the government has a coherent national aviation strategy or if it is relying on reactive, short-term financial support without implementing structural reforms.

The airline announced on January 28 that Matthew Findlay will assume the role of chief executive effective February 16, 2026, succeeding Paul Abbot, who served as interim CEO for seven months following a leadership transition in June 2025. During the appointment announcement, chairman Frank Wickham acknowledged that Solomon Airlines is operating in a particularly challenging environment. Abbot has remained with the company to support the leadership handover.

Wale argued that without decisive measures, including fleet modernization, route optimization, and stronger strategic partnerships, the airline risks further erosion of market share in both domestic and regional markets. He urged the government to table a detailed operational and financial report in parliament and to define clear performance benchmarks for management.

Findlay has previously stated that the airline must navigate current challenges in key markets while supporting broader national objectives, including tourism development and trade connectivity. As a critical transport link for the island nation, Solomon Airlines plays a central role in economic diversification and regional integration.

The carrier currently operates a seven-aircraft fleet comprising two Airbus A320-200s, four DHC-6-300 Twin Otters, and one DHC-8-100. It serves 29 destinations across six countries, balancing domestic connectivity with international routes that are vital to the Solomon Islands’ economic and social development.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com