Solomons - Solomon Airlines (IE, Honiara) welcomed its new CEO Brett William Gebers this week, who has been forced to dispel rumours that the airline will sell off property to pay off debts to MRO providers. Local news site The Island Sun had reported that the airline was suffering from a number of technical and financial issues, including non-payment of an engine lease and difficulties transporting the engine to Honiara.

Responding to The Island Sun's claims, Gebers said that there was no immediate plan to sell off any of the airline's assets, although an assessment would be carried out. He also denied claims that the airline's leases were not up to date. "Contrary to the report, all leases are up to date and we are not waiting for spares to be provided by any vendor."

The negative press has been a surprise for the new CEO. "Having been with Solomon Airlines for a little over two weeks, I have been amazed at the amount of negative reporting about the airline," Gebers told ch-aviation.

The Pacific Island carrier has struggled with liquidity, debt and aircraft problems in the recent past. Last year it was forced to ground its fleet because of a SBD15-18 million (USD1.9-2.3 million) debt owed to it by the Solomonian government. That move was roundly criticised and led to the swift removal of then CEO Ron Sumsum.

The chair of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), Jay Bartlett, welcomed Gebers to his role last week and said that he hoped the new CEO would help the airline get back on its feet. Gebers has highlighted the ageing fleet as a source of reliability issues and is said to be looking at acquiring new aircraft.

Solomon's current fleet of five aircraft has an average age of 36.2 years: one A320-200 (25 years old), three DHC-6 Twin Otters (41.6 years), and one Dash 8-100 (25.5 years). It also operates BN-2s.