Air Uganda eases flying in E. Africa
Peter De Waal, the CEO |
Mr Peter De Waal is the Chief Executive Officer of Air Uganda. He talked to Kikonyogo Ngatya about the company's one year achievements. Excerpts.
How big is your fleet?
We have 2 MD-87 aircraft with a configuration of 20 Business and 79 Economy Class and we are adding the third by the end of next week. This is a very positive milestone for Air Uganda.
What has been the effect of the high global fuel crisis on the flying behaviour of Ugandans? The high global fuel crisis has not only affected travelling but the general cost of living. |
Travelling is generally part of this. Air Uganda has decided to make the fares affordable for the customer so that they can keep travelling. Because the market we are dealing with is generally business leaders, they have to cope with the situation. Although tourist traffic was low, business people maintained the same levels.
What’s Air Uganda’s contribution and achievements to the airline industry in the last one year
We have contributed a lot…..you think about it, anyone can fly now. Before we came on the market, it was the bus for most East Africans but now, anyone can fly because it is affordable, quick and comfortable. For example Nairobi is just $140- you can't beat that!!
Entebbe is said to be expensive to fly to compared to other regional airports due to high airport charges and taxes. What can air Uganda advise as a strategy to boost tourism.
Taxes are charged everywhere. It is not just at Entebbe. Tourism is part of the country and Air Uganda is part of the process of promoting tourism and development. We are advertising Uganda and East Africa to the world as a destination. With a central location in East Africa, the world can now travel to Uganda and connect to all East African destinations with Air Uganda. The Government should facilitate airlines to come to Entebbe
Cyber criminals are ripping off airline passengers through fake online bookings, after conniving with local briefcase Tour and Travel agencies in other countries. How is Air Uganda keeping them at bay?
These practices are not common in Uganda.
What routes do you fly to? Any plan for new routes?
Currently we fly to Nairobi, Dar es Salam, Juba, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. This was what we targeted for the first year. We have new routes lined up for 2009. Right now, it is information we will keep with us till we are ready to roll out. How can we tell our competitors our plans? We definitely will tell you when all is ready!
How many jobs has air Uganda contributed to the Ugandan economy
Over 130 jobs. This does not take into consideration the various suppliers and consultants that we work with and who have faithfully supported us throughout this one year. A combination of these would give you a picture of the total effect on the Ugandan economy. Remember with 130 jobs we make 130 families happy.
Does Uganda have the infrastructure to train a world class pilot?
Air Uganda trains pilots in Italy, maintaining the high international standards. Today all pilots are Ugandans.
Where do you see air Uganda in the next decade?
Growing in East Africa and the Sudan, with the objective to go international within three years
