Post Zambia , By Joseph Mwenda in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Sun 20 Mar. 2011
Zambian air travel agencies are pressing Ethiopian Airlines to reverse the recent increase in airfares to Dubai, one of the country’s busiest commercial destinations.
Speaking in Addis Ababa where they were being awarded for their contribution towards Ethiopian Airline’s growth in the region, representatives from various travel agencies said increments in airfares to certain destinations were unjustified.
Imperial Travel managing director Thandi Mufiti said on behalf of 14 other agents that the March 10, 2011 Dubai airfare increment from US$1,080 to $1,940 had seen a reduction in travellers on that route using Ethiopian Airlines.
She said the increase was not only without notice but also too huge for the Zambian business clientele.
“We would like to know the motive behind such an increase because it has affected our business in Zambia. The other problem has been that the air ticket validity is very short compared to Ethiopian Airlines competitors,” she said.
And responding to the agents’ concerns, Ethiopian Airlines vice-president for marketing Yeneneh Tekleyes said the company would make consultations for a possible reduction in airfare cost to Dubai.
He however said the global hike in jet fuel, among other reasons, necessitated the increase in the Dubai airfare.
“Of course when you are in business, the motive behind increasing prices in to increase profit, but that is not cast in stone, we can still make changes. It is also important to note however, that Ethiopian Airlines remains the cheapest airline on the continent,” he said.
Tekleyes said the airline was excited with the feedback and remained eager to addressing the concerns of both travellers and travel agents.
Zambian air travel agencies are pressing Ethiopian Airlines to reverse the recent increase in airfares to Dubai, one of the country’s busiest commercial destinations.
Speaking in Addis Ababa where they were being awarded for their contribution towards Ethiopian Airline’s growth in the region, representatives from various travel agencies said increments in airfares to certain destinations were unjustified.
Imperial Travel managing director Thandi Mufiti said on behalf of 14 other agents that the March 10, 2011 Dubai airfare increment from US$1,080 to $1,940 had seen a reduction in travellers on that route using Ethiopian Airlines.
She said the increase was not only without notice but also too huge for the Zambian business clientele.
“We would like to know the motive behind such an increase because it has affected our business in Zambia. The other problem has been that the air ticket validity is very short compared to Ethiopian Airlines competitors,” she said.
And responding to the agents’ concerns, Ethiopian Airlines vice-president for marketing Yeneneh Tekleyes said the company would make consultations for a possible reduction in airfare cost to Dubai.
He however said the global hike in jet fuel, among other reasons, necessitated the increase in the Dubai airfare.
“Of course when you are in business, the motive behind increasing prices in to increase profit, but that is not cast in stone, we can still make changes. It is also important to note however, that Ethiopian Airlines remains the cheapest airline on the continent,” he said.
Tekleyes said the airline was excited with the feedback and remained eager to addressing the concerns of both travellers and travel agents.
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