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The Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands, located in the South East Pacific, are comprised of some 992 islands, of which only 347 are inhabited. Forming a scattered archipelago of mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls, they stretch about 900 miles in a south-easterly direction.

Although the first settlers where thought to have arrived 4000-5000 years ago, the Solomon Islands were first documented by Europeans when the Spanish explorer, Alvaro de Mendana, discovered gold on Guadalcanal (the main island). Thinking that he had discovered the source of King Solomon's great wealth (Biblical King Solomon's mine), Mendana named the islands the 'Isles of Solomon.' Great Britain declared the Southern Solomons a protectorate in 1893.

The main islands of the Solomons are volcanic in origin, covered with dense tropical forest with fast

flowing rivers and streams. It is home to many endemic flora and fauna, which includes the common cardinal lorry. Current estimates put a total of 4500 plant species and 173 species of birds including the famous megapode bird.
In a landmark event for the country, part of Rennell Island, including the reefs and sea fringing the island, was proclaimed a World Heritage Site.

The nation gained independence in 1978 and it now follows the Westminster system of democracy with the British monarch retained as head of state.

The Solomon Islands remain one of the most yet-to-be explored isles in Oceania.

The Solomon Islands, somewhere completely different!

Solomon Airlines History

Little did Laurie Crowley realise some 30 years ago that the humble beginnings of his self-initiated charter service for the Solomon Islands would become an international world-class operation, serving not only the Solomon Islands but Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji.

The Solomon Islands, once notorious for the cannibal-inclined people who did not welcome any visitors, even those bearing gifts, is a large volcanic group about 500mi (800km) east of New Guinea. Formerly a British protectorate, it is now a sovereign nation, having obtained its independence in 1978 as a member of the Commonwealth.

The airline derived its name from the birds of the megapodiidae family, large footed birds, some of which hatch their eggs by laying them in deep warm sand in some parts of the Solomons. Unlike other birds, the young are able to fly within a few hours of hatching.

A de Havilland Dove 6, previously with the British Ministry of Aviation, was acquired in Adelaide and, after a complete overhaul, began a regular service to principal ports in the region, the first RPT (Regular Public Transport) service for the island nation since the war. At this time, only seven or eight airstrips existed or were under construction discounting the many rough fighter strips built during the Second World War, most of which were then reverting to the jungle form which they had been cut. Points served by the Dove were Auki, on Malaita Island, Munda and Segi Point (Seghe), on New Georgia; Kirakira, on San Cristobal; and Yandina in the Russell Islands.

In June 1968, Macair, an operator in PNG, purchased Megapode Airways from Laurie Crowley. The latter's Dove was barely airworthy and the new owners dry-leased another example; the original aircraft was cannibalised for spares. A change of name to Solomon Island Airways, usually referred to as SOLAIR, was also instigated.

The original founder of Macair, Bryan McCook, continued to run the operation from Honiara. However, during the late sixties and early seventies another charter operation Talair, began to emerge in the Pacific region. With a takeover bid of Macair by Talair successfully completed in 1975, the Solomons-based airline once again had new owners. As Macair had just been given operating rights between Honiara and Kieta, on Bougainville, PNG, SOLAIR became the smallest international airline in the world. At this stage the airline was operating two Doves and two Beech Barons.