Senior
officials from Universal Caravan Aviation, a transnational aviation company
based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have shared with President Barrow plans to commence operating a private
airline service in The Gambia.
The
Vice-Chairman of the company, Saidu Mohammed Ahmed, who disclosed the plans in
an audience with the president at the State House on Wednesday, 11th December
2019, said the company is expected to launch its Gambia subsidiary – named Jet
Wings Gambia, by mid-next year.
Upon
completion of the registration process, it would initially fly to all West
African cities but subsequently expand to international destinations like
Barcelona, Brussels, and the UK.
President
Barrow lauded the initiative and gave assurances of the government’s open-door
policy to any well-meaning participant in the development process of the
country.
“My
government has created the enabling environment for a private sector-led growth
of the country’s economy. You are assured of great business climate and high
returns on investment here”, President Barrow said.
He
used the opportunity to raise concerns over the high cost of Hajj air tickets
for pilgrims flying from Banjul. Last year, The Gambia’s hajj rates were among
the highest in Africa.
“One
of the things that were so important and the President was so keen about is the
hajj fares. Gambia’s hajj fare is the highest in this region. We promised to
operate at a reduced cost by over $1,000 to Gambian pilgrims once we begin
flying,” Vice-Chairman Saidu Mohammed Ahmed told the State House Press Corps
after the closed discussion.
He was accompanied by the Group Chairman,
Muadh Suliman Bilal and other top executives.
