KQ wants Nairobi route back
Nov 01, 2005
KENYA Airways (KQ) is negotiating with the works ministry to recover a flight slot on the Entebbe-Nairobi route that they had relinquished to East African Airways (EAA) early this year.
KENYA Airways (KQ) is negotiating with the works ministry to recover a flight slot on the Entebbe-Nairobi route that they had relinquished to East African Airways (EAA) early this year.
Industry sources say EAA has failed to start flights on the route even after the works ministry took away one of KQ’s slots to give the airline competitive support.
“They have not taken off on the route and have not given any explanation.
“They are not prepared for business, but they are just spoiling things for KQ and the travelling public,†the source said.
KQ’s country manager, Emmanuel Okware, referred The New Vision to works minister John Nassasira, but Benedict Mutyaba, the EAA chief executive, said no resolution was reached with KQ on the flight schedules.
“We did not agree on the mode of operation. We gave KQ our appropriate time but we could not agree.
“So instead of being idle, we decided to charter our aircraft in the meantime,†Mutyaba said.
He said he was not aware of fresh negotiations between KQ and the works ministry.
“We have not been informed. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will inform us in case of anything.
“But I believe the matter will be resolved by the registered authorities.
“We are waiting for the outcome,†Mutyaba said.
Ignie Igundura, the CAA public relations manager, confirmed that EAA had failed to utilise the route.
“They have not taken off since April when they were given the route. We recently communicated to them to find out their position, but we are still awaiting their response.
“You can check with KQ if they are re-negotiating the route, but this matter is at ministerial level,†Igundura said.
Aviation sources said the works ministry has no problem handing the slot back to KQ.
“The minister said he has no problem with giving it back, but he just has not done so yet,†the source said.