Niro said it respects the right of workers to raise concerns about their employment and working conditions, but maintained that it should not be blamed for challenges facing GIA.
According to the company, Niro entered the market as a duly authorised Gambian company and has competed for business through investments in equipment, people, training and service delivery.
“Airlines are commercial customers and have the right to choose their service providers based on safety, quality, reliability, operational performance and price,” the company said.
Niro also rejected suggestions that offering competitive prices amounts to unfair competition.
The company said its prices are based on its operating costs, investments and commercial agreements with airline customers.
The statement comes amid claims concerning competition between aviation service providers operating at Banjul International Airport.
Niro also addressed allegations that government officials allegedly hold interests in the company, describing the claims as serious.
The company said anyone with credible evidence of such interests or any improper conduct should present it to the appropriate authorities.
Niro said it is prepared to cooperate fully with any legitimate investigation, while cautioning against presenting allegations as established facts without evidence.
The company further said it has invested significantly in aviation services in The Gambia and continues to employ and train Gambians while expanding its operations at Banjul International Airport.
Niro said it has no interest in seeing GIA workers lose their livelihoods, describing them as fellow Gambians.
However, the company maintained that the legitimate concerns of GIA employees should not be used to make Niro a scapegoat for the commercial or operational challenges of another company.
Niro called for both companies to compete fairly, with the regulator applying the same standards to all operators.
The company said performance, safety, service quality and customer satisfaction should ultimately determine competition in the sector.
Niro reaffirmed its commitment to The Gambia, the development of Banjul International Airport and a stronger and more competitive aviation sector.
