Air Botswana boss defends 'high' fares

Boitshepo Majube | Friday November 22, 2013 16:36

 

He pointed out that they charge competitive prices in line with other rivals in the market. “When we set prices, we look at many things, that help us to set the prices,” he said. Motse said that fuel has been the major contributor to their pricing as it has skyrocketed, costing them a lot in the process. “Fuel has been a major cost for us,” he said.

He stated that government taxes are another factor contributing to their pricing. “We take into consideration the tax that is required by government, which also affects our pricing,” he said. He explained that the Air Botswana Act clearly states that they should run the national carrier profitably.

However, he pointed out that during holidays, they have special rates for all local travellers.  “During holidays, flights are always full, because of the special rates we charge,” he said. He said that during this period a majority of their clients are tourists.

Motse said the role of Air Botswana is to facilitate travel and they are trying their level best to do this. However, he asserted that operating new routes is costly and needs a lot of money. “When you start operating new routes, a lot of money is used and losses are registered,” he said. He added that marketing new routes is very expensive.

Meanwhile, Motse said that Air Botswana has got new business in the transportation of diamantaires and their purchases. “Since the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) started trading in Botswana, we have also started transporting them and their purchases,” he said. Motse stated that there has been a lot of behind the scenes preparations to make sure that they capitalise on the relocation of the DTC. “We are ready to transport diamantaires and their purchases,” Motse said.