Bangkok--Oct 28--eTurboNews
UGANDA CAA REDUCES AIRPORT TAX
The airport tax of US$40 per departing passenger (international) was now reduced for flights into the region. Departures to the East African sister states of Kenya and Tanzania as well as COMESA countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi has been reduced to US$20. Flights to other destinations, i.e. Europe, South Africa and the Gulf remain at U$40 per passenger. Airlines, travel agents and travelers alike applauded this move, as it has long been a cause of disagreement in discussions between BAR, TUGATA and the CAA.
KLM NOW DAYS FROM INAUGURAL FLIGHT
Hugo van Joolen, who was recently appointed country manager Uganda for Dutch flag carrier KLM, is now preparing for the official launch of their flights, which are due to commence next Tuesday with a grand function at the Entebbe International Airport. The KLM flights will undoubtedly improve connectivity for travelers to and from Uganda, and flower and fish exports will receive a timely boost ahead of the European winter season, by expanding scheduled flight cargo capacity. In addition to the three weekly flights, KLM will continue to operate direct and code shared flights with Kenya Airways on alternate traffic days via Nairobi.
In the meantime, the imminent arrival of KLM has prompted other carriers to intensify their sales and marketing activities in Uganda. Most airlines now offer a US$767 fare to Europe from Entebbe, and British Airways has just announced the introduction of an improved cabin layout for their B767 flights to Uganda, featuring the flatbed in Business Class and wider seats in Premium Economy, a feature which was not available on the route till now.
EMIRATES ANNOUNCES EXTRA NEW YORK FLIGHTS
Ugandan travel agents have been told that Emirates will be commencing a second daily non-stop flight from Dubai to New York effective mid-November, offering a wider choice for travelers from East Africa to New York. Emirates presently operate a daily flight between Entebbe and Dubai, while Nairobi is served twice daily. This follows the delivery of more ultra modern Airbus A340-500 aircraft, which allow the long distance operation without fuel stops en route. (This correspondent also takes this opportunity to extend the best wishes on the Twentieth Anniversary of Emirates first taking to the skies.)
QATAR AIRWAYS ENTERS THE REGION
With flights from November onwards, Qatar Airways will begin serving East Africa through Nairobi, with onwards flights by other carriers to make the connection into their network. They have reportedly also initiated contacts to travel agents in Kampala to put their airline on the 'map' for Ugandans, although no immediate plans exist to extend their flights to Entebbe.
UGANDA GORILLA POPULATION GROWS
During the year 2005, already 13 young gorillas were born in Bwindi National Park, securing the survival of these great apes in the face of constant threats to their environment. Uganda has been excelling in recent years to provide a conducive environment for breeding and increasing population numbers, while the news from the other gorilla countries are not always that good.
Generous additional funding enabled UWA to buy up more tracts of land surrounding the forest to ensure that the forays of the animals into neighboring cultivated small farms can be kept to a minimum and the human population can live in relative harmony with these gentle giants.
The latest baby addition is from the 'Mubare' group, a habituated group accessible from Buhoma / Bwindi. Mubare now has 3 young babies, while two of the other habituated groups named Habinyanja and Rushegura have five babies each. Gorilla tracking is a high profile tourism activity in Uganda and details can be accessed through www.uwa.or.ug or www.visituganda.com
SKAL UGANDA ANNUAL TOURISM BALL
This annual society event will take place at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel's Rwenzori Ball Room on Saturday, November 26. SKAL Kampala has arrange for special packages for visiting Skalleagues from Africa and beyond and details can be obtained through the club president Mohit Advani via [email protected]. Packages include greatly reduced accommodation charges at the Sheraton as well as attractive prices for an excursion by lake cruiser to the Ngamba Chimpanzee Island off Entebbe or by air to the famous Murchison Falls National Park. The theme this year will be 'Masquerade Ball' and the proceeds will go to a newly established conservation trust fund.
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