Transport Minister advocates price reduction
February 25, 2016 By Alusine Sesay
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Leonard Balogun Koroma, has called on Air France to maintain a reasonable pricing of their flight tickets so as to encourage customers.
Minister Koroma was speaking as Air France yesterday opened their new office in Freetown, situated at 12 Wilberforce Street, in the heart of the capital.
However, Regional Manager of the airline, Michel Colleau, noted that the price of tickets was largely determined by the percentage of tax they pay to the government, adding that the National Revenue Authority deducts ten percent as sales tax from the sale of all airline tickets.
The aviation minister though recounted assistance Air France rendered to the country during the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease, adding that the establishment of their office in central Freetown was evidence of their readiness to provide air transportation for customers.
He commended the airline for providing what he referred to as better service to customers.
Meanwhile, the Regional Manager disclosed that they operate three weekly flights to Freetown and that each has a capacity to carry 80 passengers.
He said they have three sets of classes aboard: business, premium economy and economy, and that they were on the right track of doing business because Sierra Leone now produces more passengers.
“We have a competing service and with Air France every passenger would access the best of what he or she deserves,” he assured.
He commended the government for providing the enabling business environment and promised that they would contribute immensely to develop the country’s tourism industry.