Captain Claudia Walding is now the first female pilot to take command of the Solomon Airlines Airbus A320.
Originally from New Zealand, Captain Walding joined the airline company in 2000 and has been piloting the airliner’s Islander and Twin Otter aircraft.
Upon her attainment of an Airline Transport Pilots License, Captain Walding is now the first female pilot residing in the Solomon Islands to have achieved this milestone and has been duly congratulated by the airline, and the people of the Pacific nation.
Her achievements have been described as a benchmark for the airline to continue developing equal employment opportunities for its female employees.
CEO of Solomon Airlines, Captain Ron Sumsum, said that Captain Walding is an inspiration and congratulated her for accomplishing her goals.
Captain Sumsum said her success represented a major achievement especially in the context of a traditionally male dominated Melanesian environment.
He added that Captain Walding’s success encourages other females; especially the airline’s other female pilot, Captain Linda Tito who currently flies the airline’s Islander aircraft and acts as first officer on board Twin Otters.
