The public hearing was held over the weekend at Hotel Equatorial in Kampala for airlines seeking licenses to operate in Uganda. Zephaniah Baliddawa, the chairman of CAA, who chaired the meeting, said if they see commitment from the Government, they were prepared to pay for about 25% shares in VIA before they are granted a licence.
Victoria International Airlines (VIA) was among the nine airlines that surfaced before the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) public hearing, saying they were not demanding a national carrier status but interested in providing quality air travel in Uganda.
Mike Myburgh, who represented VIA, said they were prepared to undertake investments in Uganda, which were pending approval by the Government.
He said in South Africa, a person or company cannot repatriate investments unless they get permission from the South African Reserve Bank.
Myburgh said they plan to begin flights with an F 28 4000 Jet Air leased from Air Aquarius in South Africa.
He added that they just want to operate airline services to provide good transport. He referred to Lufthansa or British Airways doubting whether the Germany and British governments have more than 51% shares in them.
Myburgh said once the airline is licensed, the shareholders would consist of the Government, consortium of JLP Limited and investors from Switzerland and Malaysia.
BY TANAH HADIJAH
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