Liberian Observer (Monrovia)
Hassan Kiawu
21 February 2005
Monrovia — Sahara International Incorporated, which was started in 1989 says its main goal is to have low cost and affordable prices, while at the same make traveling to Liberia much easier.
SA Liberian owned travel agency based in Maryland, Sahara International Incorporated has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Universal Airlines to begin flights to Liberia.
The president and CEO of the agency, Ralph Bright told the Observer in an interview that the inaugural flight would begin on 20th March from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. Bright said the flights would depart on Sundays with a brief stop-over in the Caribbean nation of Guyana and return on Tuesdays.
"We believe that the return of reliable services to Monrovia from the United States fills a void that has been vacant for some time" Ralph said in an press release earlier.
He said initial talks with other US-based airlines to fly into Monrovia broke down due to security concerns as airlines were worried about the high insurance premiums.
According to Mr. Bright, Universal Airlines had looked to expand their markets from the USA and the Caribbean into Africa but did not have the necessary contacts to pursue it. "So it would seem to be the best opportunity for our people, Ralph declared.
He said there has been overwhelming responses from Liberians and already his agency has been inundated with requests to travel on the inaugural flight and subsequent ones.
Asked if he was mindful of the problems passengers faced with other airlines in the past, Ralph pointed out that all the modalities have been worked out that would prevent over-booking and other inconveniences.
Taking flight
The current sale price for round trip to Liberia is put at $995 while regular fare would be $1,395. The Boeing 757-200 has met all FAA regulations and standard would accommodate 189 economy and 24 business class passengers.
Cheaper air tickets may also be obtained at www.affordableafrica.com. The contact number for the agency is 1-800-LIBERIA.
Since the demise of Ghana Airways last year, the only means of traveling to Liberia has been through the Belgium-based airline Sabena.
The current sale price for round trip to Liberia is put at $995 while regular fare would be $1,395. "Our main goal here is to have low cost and affordable price while at the same make traveling to Liberia much easier for our people", he said.
He said the Boeing 757-200, which has met all FAA regulations and standard would accommodate 189 economy and 24 business class passengers.
Ralph is passionate about his vision that would one day see the establishment of a West African Express carrier. And he's aware that such a venture was capital intensive and would also require better planning and management to kick-start.
The Sahara International agency was established in 1989 and has since built a reputation of excellence, a quality that has made it a leading source of air travel to many parts of the world at very low rates.
Cheaper air tickets may also be obtained at www.affordableafrica.com. The contact number for the agency is 1-800-LIBERIA.
After the demise of Ghana Airways last year due to mismanagement, the only means of traveling to Liberia has been by the Belgium-based airline, Sabena.
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