23 July 2001
South African Airways and British Airways/Comair business competition sparked by substantial reduction of fares for JHB – CT route was the best news the Minister awaited for in this industry.
"This is long overdue. This recent development will serve as the right catalyst to introduce new passengers into the air travel. The prospect of employment is high. This move is, if real, set to enhance the pace of conducting business by both public and private sectors and promote tourism while yielding positive spin offs for the country. The country could do with some more revenue", said the modest Dullar Omar.
With the prices competition, undoubtedly attractive, the holidaymakers are cautioned not to rush into celebrating the prospect of paying low fares. More often than not the sustainability of such trends is not predictable. By implication the merit of this move will be judged in the long run.
In retrospection the sad history of FLITESTAR, PHOENIX AIRWAYS, SUNAIR, etc. is well recorded and still painfully fresh on the mind of the Minister.
ISSUED BY
Mike Mabasa
HEAD: Media Liaison and Corporate Communication
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT