SICCI members got the opportunity to meet the new CEO at a BA5 (Business After 5) event co-hosted by Solomon Airlines and SICCI last Friday.

SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett says the Chamber is pleased to see Solomon Airlines, who is a platinum sponsor member of SICCI, get back to its feet with renewed leadership.

“We look forward to the leadership of the new CEO who has an impressive experience in the aviation sector,” said Bartlett.

The Chair was among a number of executives from the private sector who turned up at a fully packed BA5 held at the Solomon Airlines’ Skaelan Aero Club Haus.

Among guests included government officials and media representatives as Gebers made his first public appearance.

Gebers gave a brief outline of what he had in mind for the national carrier but asked for some time to settle down into office before moving into addressing the problems.

He said the carrier needs to step up its visibility and services in neighbouring Australia, with comparisons to other Pacific island countries.

Among other issues he raised was the desperate need to improve the domestic services.

“But before we move on to these issues, we need to sort the many issues the airline faces. I am aware of the issues that were raised in the [news] papers,” he said.

“We will however need your support. We need to work together.”

Brett William Gebers was born in South Africa but is now an Australian citizen residing in Brisbane.

He spent the past 39 years in the Aviation Industry working with the likes of South African Airways, Virgin International, Fiji Airways, Sky Trans and most recently Jet Go.

Gebers’ many attributes include his ability to thrive on challenges.

He has vast experience in all aspects of Airline Operations including:

·         Setting up and managing

·         Flight Operations

·         Ground Operations

·         Engineering

·         Maintenance Control

·         Quality Assurance

·         Flight Crew Training

·         Cabin Services Training

·         Cadet Pilot Programs

He is well versed in:

·         The introduction of new Aircraft

·         Acquisition, Certification and Management of simulators

·         Operations Audits

He possesses a sound knowledge of Aviation Regulations and is experienced in Change Management and Restructuring Business Divisions.