Ronald Kabuubi
12 July 2009
Kampala — AIR transport business has slowed down as the global economic downturn takes its toll on local operators, forcing carriers to fly with empty seats.
"Business has slowed down because people are trying to be careful with the way they spend their money because of the financial squeeze.
"It's the reason why we have come up with reasonable fares for our clients," said Jennifer Musiime, the Air Uganda sales and marketing manager.
Pierre Declerk, the Brussels Airlines general manager, explained that much as no employee had been laid off, the carrier had been flying with empty seats."
He disclosed that this has made the airline to target organisations that come to Uganda for international conferences with discount offers.
Yogi Biriggwa, the South African Airlines country manager for Uganda and Rwanda, said business was slow after their corporate clients reduced with the global crisis.
She, however, disclosed that the airline had kept its travel fares unchanged.
"We could have increased them just like other businesses but we are simply concerned about our clients.
"We want the pubic to travel more," Biriggwa argued.
Mrs. Regasa Ermejachew, the Ethiopian Airlines Uganda area manager, said almost everybody had been affected by the global financial crunch.
She, however, disclosed that the situation had improved since June but not as good as last year.
"We are hoping things will continue changing for the better season," she added.
"We are praying for the countries with big economies to improve.
"If they improve, the exchange rate will also come down, while the frequency of the trips will surge."
British Airways country manager Faith Chaivatezvi said: "Yes we are fighting for survival at the moment.
"It's a difficult season for both the passengers and the airlines. We are trying to be as creative as possible."
No sector has been spared by the current financial crisis.
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