Safarilink airline has come out clean on the allegations that it is charging its customers' exorbitant prices to make super-normal profits.
This comes after Nyong'o protested for being charged Sh19,000 for a one-way ticket to Kisumu instead of the Sh5,000 he termed as the normal price.
Nyong'o termed the move as unwarranted and issued a ban on officers in his county to stop using the airline.
"I am issuing this statement to protest the excessively high flight charges of domestic airlines. On February 3, I was booked to fly to Kisumu from Wilson Airport, Nairobi on Safarilink Airline's 7 am flight No.08. Ticket Reference number 49141F."
"I called my secretary to confirm the flight. She told me all was well except that Safarilink was asking for Sh19,000 for one way flight from Nairobi to Kisumu," he said.
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The Governor said he had to pay the amount because he had an urgent meeting to address in Kisumu. In consequence, the governor vowed not to use the airline and even banned county officers from the same.
Safrilink however in a rejoinder defended themselves saying their prices are based on demand, peak travel days and time of booking.
"Our fares to Kisumu are in the price range from Sh5,500 to Sh19,000 so the earlier one books the cheaper the fare. In this instance, you booked this flight directly from our website the evening before the flight and hence the fare was based on the last seat available," the statement read.
The airline further said it is witnessing economic challenges occasioned by Covid-19 and it is therefore taking necessary actions to bounce back like any other business.
It regretted the criticism from Nyong'o saying many other airlines are charging more than that yet they receive tax incentives from the state.
"Private airlines have to contend with multiple taxes and levies such as VAT on fuel, RDL on expensive spare parts, Vat on engine overhauls, and the sliding Kenya shilling On the same day. Other airlines who are beneficiaries of government support, had higher fares, so it is surprising that it is only Safarilink that has been cited with what you term as "ripping off gullible passengers."
