Airline launches flights from Nairobi to Entebbe

East African Safari Air Express has launched a flight from Nairobi to Entebbe, Uganda, as the airline seeks to reap from increased business between the two countries.

It will fly to the city twice a day six days a week starting this Friday. The service is expected to introduce competition on a route currently dominated by national carrier Kenya Airways.

Mr Charles Wako, the airline’s chairman, said the venture is expected to have an impact on fares which have been high.

Speaking during the flight launch at Entebbe Airport, attended by Ugandan Minister for Transport Stephen Chebrot, Mr Wako said competition will now be the driving force.

“Competition is what will tame the fare levels. We bring to the Ugandan market a good product at a competitive price and also a reliable option that may even be the better option of the route,” said Mr Wako.

HIGH AIR FARES

Last month, Ugandan and South Sudanese delegations attending the heads of state northern infrastructure summit complained of high air fares, and called for liberalisation of the routes.

Mr Wako said the new route will boost integration of Kenya and Uganda in social, economic and cultural aspects, noting that efficient movement of people and goods will expedite the process. Company Director George Kiridyo said the firm will soon be launching a direct flight from Mombasa to Entebbe, as the airline increases its aircraft.

He said most passengers have had to use longer and expensive routes to get to Entebbe due to lack of a direct flight.

“I have very many Kenyan friends who have had to travel to Entebbe via Juba and Kigali because there is no direct line,” he said.

Mr Chebrot said he hoped with the entry of more airlines to Uganda, the fares will go down. “This has been as a result of the monopolistic attitude by some airlines and that is very unfair. The cost of fuel has gone down but the cost of flights is not going down,” he said.

As part of a strategy to enhance airline business, Mr Chebrot said Uganda will allocate funds to expand the Entebbe Airport among other facilities in the country.