From left SICCI CEO, Dennis Meone, SICCI board member, Sebastian Ulala, SICCI Chair, Jay Bartlet and new Solomon Airlines CEO, Brett Gerbers at the ‘Business After 5’ event on Friday.

THE Solomon Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Solomon Airlines have formally welcomed the airline’s new CEO, Mr Brett Gerbers.

SICCI Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Meone welcomed Mr Gerbers on Friday at the chamber’s first networking event for 2017, ‘Business After 5’ held at Skaelan Aero Club Haus in Henderson.

The event was attended by members of SICCI, government officials, and other important dignitaries.

Meanwhile, speaking of the new CEO, Chairman of Solomon Airlines Board, Austin Holmes said Mr Gerbers has a wide range of expertise

He said Gerbers has spent 39 years in the aviation industry, which includes years in the South African Airways, Virgin International and Fiji Airways.

“He has a wealth of experiences in an airline industry, and that is very important for Solomon Airlines,” he said.

“We have had a meeting this week and I am particularly impressed,” Mr Holmes said

He said the airline was having cash flow problems, and has been ‘fire-fighting’.

“On the positive side we got a third twin otter certified to fly.”

Mr Holmes meanwhile, said the airline has a lot of necessary requirements.

“With Brett coming onboard, a lot has been taken from the board’s shoulder,” he said.

Mr Brett arrived Monday last week to take on the role as CEO for the national carrier.