Solomon Airlines announces First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen as the first local female pilot to begin Airbus A320 line training.
Solomon Airlines has announced that First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen has become the airline’s first local female pilot to commence Airbus A320 line training.
The milestone was marked this week when international services IE711 from Auckland to Port Vila and IE723 from Port Vila to Honiara were operated by Captain Claudia Walding and First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen, the airline’s two female Airbus A320 pilots.
The airline said the flights marked the beginning of First Officer Owen’s transition to international jet operations alongside Captain Walding, who became Solomon Airlines’ first female Airbus A320 Captain in 2015.
According to Solomon Airlines, the milestone reflects its efforts to develop local aviation professionals and increase opportunities for women in the aviation sector.
Captain Walding joined the airline in 2000 and made history in 2015 as its first female Airbus A320 Captain.
First Officer Owen joined Solomon Airlines in 2009. In 2017, she and Captain Patricia Avosa became the airline’s first all-local female flight crew, operating a De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. In 2023, she became the airline’s first female Dash 8 Captain and has now commenced Airbus A320 line training.
Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Matthew Findley said the achievement highlights the airline’s continued investment in developing local aviation professionals.
“Today marks another milestone for Solomon Airlines and the Solomon Islands. Captain Claudia Walding paved the way for women in aviation within our airline, and we are pleased to see First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen become the first local female pilot to commence Airbus A320 line training. Her achievement reflects dedication, professionalism and perseverance, and we hope it encourages more young Solomon Islanders, particularly young women, to pursue careers in aviation,” Mr Findley said.
First Officer Owen said she was honoured to reach another milestone in her aviation career.
“I am incredibly proud to take this next step in my career and grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my journey. Flying alongside Captain Claudia Walding makes this milestone even more special, and I hope it inspires more young Solomon Islanders to believe that a career in aviation is within reach,” she said.
Solomon Airlines said it will continue investing in the development of local aviation personnel as it expands its international operations across the Pacific.
Source: Solomon Airlines Press Release
