National carrier Kenya Airways on Friday moved to counter the Monday's entry of budget airline Fastjet Tanzania on the Nairobi-Dar es Salaam route.
The airline, which has been associated with high fares giving its competitors an edge, has resorted to a defensive marketing strategy on the route.
In an advert in local dailies, KQ announced an offer price of Sh7,685 (excluding taxes) on flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
An online booking inquiry by the Star for a KQ return ticket (economy class) between January 16 and 18, gave a charge of of Sh28, 575 (inclusive of taxes).
Fastjet also advertised a one-way fare of Sh8,800 from Nairobi to Dar-es Salaam and Kilimanjaro routes(exclusive of taxes).
An online inquiry for a return ticket for similar dates showed Fastjet was charging Sh26, 400, slightly lower than KQ.
KQ, however, said it was offering superior on-board experience.
It cited up to two bags in the hold for free, free refreshment on board, free entertainment, a choice of five flights everyday and a chance to get a refund on ticket.
“Don’t let anyone pull a fast one” the national carrier says in its advert.
“When it comes to flying Nairobi to Dar, it pays to know just what you get for the price of your ticket. With Kenya Airways, all these benefits plus world class service and unrivalled connectivity are included in the price,” it added.
Last September, a one-way economy class ticket from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam on KQ was Sh39,000.
Other competitors such as Ethiopian Airlines, Precision Air and Rwanda Air, are currently charging about Sh24,210, Sh22,675 and Sh24,105), respectively for a one-way flight.
“The price on the advert is an offer for now but prices also range from the time you book. The earlier you book the lower the fare,” head of corporate communication Wanjiku Mugo said. “Our prices have not changed.”
Fastjet Tanzania said during the launch of its inaugural flight from Dar es Salaam to Nairobi that it was first-time passengers on the route.
“Affordable air travel is key to the growth of economies across Africa because of the positive impact that low-cost air travel can have on the lives of their citizens and the general economy,” Fastjet general manager for East Africa Jimmy Kibati said.