SOLOMON Airlines’ new CEO, Brett Gerbers and his Operations manager Dave Pierce left for Australia yesterday amidst growing concerns within the national carrier.

Capt Gerbers had been in the country spending five days familiarising himself with the airlines’ operations and the issues awaiting his attention when he formally takes over as CEO.

It is not clear when he will return.

His operations Manager Dave Pierce also left yesterday (Sunday) reportedly to sort out berthing bay allocation for Solomon Airlines at Brisbane Airport.

This reason for his trip has been questioned by insiders since such matters can be sorted out online from Honiara.

Meanwhile, prior to his departure yesterday, Capt Gerbers attended a formal welcome organised jointly by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) last Friday.

He told the gathering that he would sort out some of the issues within the next month or so.

He has assured that he is dealing with pressing issues affecting the national carrier.

Mr Gerbers said the biggest issue is the unreliable domestic service operating at the moment.

“I am dealing with pressing issues that need attention at the moment, I am developing a plan to deal with that, and we will implement the plan in the next month or so.”

He said the unreliable domestic service was driven by broke-down planes.

He points out that one of the associated problems is single dash 8 aircraft the airline has.

He said the airline is also looking forward to the upgrading of some airstrips around the country.