Uganda’s rapidly growing air traffic has attracted a lot of investors into the sector, while falling export trade has given a boost to profitability for players flying to Far East Routes. After having given up its leadership position in the domestic market a few years ago, Emirates Airways is charting a growth path yet again, as its financial performance has improved.
Emirates’ new Country Manager to Uganda in an interview reaffirmed the airline’s ability to fully fly oil and gas experts and equipment with oil companies are expected to invest over $8 billion in infrastructure required for oil production from the Lake Albert basin. An average of 1.7 billion barrels are expected to be produced annually so air travel will be very crucial for foreign workers and auxiliary businessmen.
“We are on top of this intelligence,” Kohli said. “In terms of strategy, Emirates Airlines Uganda and our global office are looking to provide and get the best and if there changes to make we shall adapt.”
“I have been in aviation for 16 years so I will try to see how to incorporate my experience to improve Ugandan standards as this region is a very important market for us. My focus is Uganda , and to make sure we grow our presence and brand in the market.”
On the Ugandan route, for now Emirates operates the A380 and from Dubai, the airline serves many destinations popular with Ugandan customers, for example 12 points in the US, over 40 in Europe and more than 30 in Asia Pacific, which include Australia and New Zealand.
Emirates Airlines is executing a strategy to differentiate themselves from competitors from the Entebbe International Airport by offering Ugandan travellers the opportunity to visit Dubai with a special Economy and Business Class return airfare that includes a free third piece of luggage of up to 23 kg in Economy Class and up to 32Kg in Business Class.
An Economy Class ticket from Entebbe to Dubai costs Shs 1.4 million ($399) and Business Class is Shs5.2M ($ 1,449).
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