{"id":4042,"date":"2021-09-20T09:21:38","date_gmt":"2021-09-20T09:21:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ugandaupdatenews.com\/?p=4042"},"modified":"2021-09-20T19:26:39","modified_gmt":"2021-09-20T19:26:39","slug":"pomp-as-airlink-inaugurates-johannesburg-entebbe-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/pomp-as-airlink-inaugurates-johannesburg-entebbe-service\/","title":{"rendered":"POMP AS AIRLINK INAUGURATES JOHANNESBURG-ENTEBBE SERVICE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Moses Sserwanga<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

in Entebbe  \u2013 Uganda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airlink, the independent Southern African regional airline, is the latest to add a new route to Entebbe- Uganda while  expanding its intra-Africa market with the launch of its Johannesburg-Entebbe service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inuagural flight from Johannesburg to Entebbe was witnessed by Uganda\u2019s   State Minister for Transport Mr. Fred Byamukama who welcomed the new airline -noting that it would facilitate trade and easy travel between the two sister countries .  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other officials at the colourful ceremony held at Entebbe international Airport included ,Ms. Rebecca Nampamba the County Manager ,  Mr. Moorosi a Director at Airlink , Mr. Linden Birns  who handles the media and communications function and South Africa High commisioner to Uganda , Ms L Xingwana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a speech read for the Civil Aviation Authority Director General\u00a0 by Mr. Sam Wonekha , stated \u00a0that as a landlocked country, the government of Uganda attaches a lot of importance to the aviation sub sector because it guarantees the country direct international access and thus promoting tourism, trade and social-economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe government\u2019s aviation strategy is to leverage Uganda\u2019s geographical location to become a regional transit hub for air transport so that the country can compete successfully for economic growth opportunities,\u201d he explained .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, Mr Wonekha told the guest that\u00a0\u00a0 the government of Uganda \u00a0has undertaken several interventions aimed at developing an air transport network that will connect Uganda to all major cities in the World. The government has revived the National carrier, a private limited company that is managing Uganda Airlines launched in the financial year 2018\/19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally , government is also  implementing a project for the upgrade and expansion of facilities at Entebbe International Airport (worth USD200million).This is intended to accommodate  current and future air traffic and to also make it comply with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety requirements. Phase 1 of the construction is almost completed, awaiting start of the Phase 2 worth USD150million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plans are underway to improve and upgrade facilities at the regional and upcountry aerodromes to meet international standards and open new routes through signing of more Bilateral Air Services Agreements, amongst others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Airlink offers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Return flights on the route will operate twice weekly and are timed to provide convenient connections to Airlink\u2019s domestic and regional network to and from various Southern African destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEntebbe is not just Uganda\u2019s primary tourism and trade, it is also strategically positioned for access to the wider Eastern African Community nations and the Great Lakes, which represent significant markets.  Our flights, will enable closer relations, promote economic activity and make it possible for tourists to enjoy the diverse array of travel experiences on offer in South Africa and Uganda as well as Southern and Eastern African,\u201d explains Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The  launch of  Airlink \u2013 Johannesburg- Entebbe  route follows its earlier postponement after South Africa and Uganda temporarily tightened their respective COVID-19 travel restrictions.   Airlink is marking the occasion with limited period celebratory fares on the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAirlink\u2019s modern fleet and strict compliance with bio-safety measures enables us to provide safe air travel and support the revival of tourism and economic activity that are vital for creating and sustaining jobs and livelihoods in Uganda and South Africa,\u201d added Mr Foster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airlink\u2019s great value for money fares include a 20kg free economy class checked in luggage allowance plus a 15kg sporting equipment allowance.  Onboard, our customers are treated to a complimentary light meal, refreshments, comfort with generous leg room and a choice of aisle or window seat (our flights do not have middle seats).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customers also have the freedom to book business class<\/a> on this route and enjoy Airlink\u2019s intra-continental Business Class service available on the state-of-the-art Embraer E-jet, The cabin offers six business class seats, generous pitch with plenty legroom and wide seats arranged in a two-plus-one abreast configuration.   Onboard business class service on these flights includes complimentary meals and beverages, a 30kg check-in luggage allowance, priority boarding and lounge access at selected airports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flight Schedule <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n