Victoria - Time Out Or Out?????
This Article appeared in todays New Vision Newspapers in Uganda. Shameful Really - and I suspect stronly that we are looking at more than a ""Time out"" - more like " DOWN AND OUT"!!!
Victoria airlines suspends flights
Tuesday, 9th January, 2007 By Emmy Olaki and Emmy Allio
Victoria International Airline has suspended its flights to Juba, Nairobi and Johannesburg until further notice, barely two months after starting operations.
A company statement stated that its selling efforts were hampered by the poor performance of its distribution system. It conducts online booking via the internet.
The system was meant to keep costs down and allow the airline to offer lower fares than its competitors.
“We are extremely disappointed with the performance of our online booking device, particularly in Kenya and Uganda. As a selling tool, we have found it to be slow and travel agents are still unable to issue tickets. As a result, our projected passenger uplifts have fallen short of our expectations,” the statement read.
The company further explained that it no longer made business sense to continue flying when customers found it difficult to book a seat on the airline. ‘There is no doubt that they will choose an easier alternative.”
Over the next two weeks, the airline will evaluate the various distribution options available.
“We also must ensure the long term viability of the airline so we have taken the decision to suspend flights until we have identified a better solution.”
Victoria International airline is a joint venture between the government of Uganda, which has a 20% stake, and South African and Swiss investors.
Attempts to get a comment from investments state minister Prof. semakula Kiwanuka, were futile yesterday, as he was locked in meetings.
The airline had a rocky start after its maiden flight to Nairobi was denied landing rights by the Kenyan aviation authorities. It was cleared a week after.
This is the third attempt to start up a new flag carrier airline in Uganda.